“It is ill-written only in the sense of not being composed according to the present trim, abrupt fashion of novel-reading. We hardly know how to suggest the mellowness of this story, and therein lies its charm. We doubt if any reader who has a sense for true humour will find it tedious.”
+ Nation. 83: 287. O. 4, ’06. 650w.
“A work as admirable in detail as in mass effect, a book worth reading and rereading and keeping in your house.”
+ + N. Y. Times. 11: 620. O. 6, ’06. 980w.
“This is a novel of the first order—one that aligns itself with the best English fiction.”
+ + Outlook. 84: 582. N. 3, ’06. 240w.
“Amuses by its willful divagations from the straight of narrative, quietly pleases by its wholesome sentiment, and leaves one with an impression of thorough enjoyment.”
+ + Outlook. 84: 711. N. 24, ’06. 330w.
“The style is strong and expressive, but very often clumsy and over-elaborate and would-be humorous. The strength and interest of the book lies in the fresh original observation of lower-middle-class life; in its shrewd characterisation and life-like dialogue and incidents.”
+ – Sat. R. 102: 117. Jl. 28, ’06. 330w.