An ex-member of Boston’s smart set finds it “hard to be philosophical when a man has just lost his girl, his friends and his money.” He accepts an appointment to go to Russia to take care of the American trading company’s stores at Stryetensk, Siberia. His adventures which include being arrested as a spy, and falling under the spell of women spies—Russian and Japanese—are chronicled during the days just preceding the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war.
“A novel written frankly with no other purpose than to entertain, and as such it can be heartily recommended.” Amy C. Rich.
+ Arena. 36: 107. Jl. ’06. 270w.
“If Mr. Horton had intended to parody the style of Archibald Clavering Gunter, he would deserve to be congratulated on his success.” Frederick Taber Cooper.
+ – Bookm. 23: 284. My. ’06. 340w.
“An excellent story—for people who merely wish to be amused.”
+ – Critic. 48: 475. My. ’06. 90w. + – N. Y. Times. 11: 297. My. 5, ’06. 400w.
Hough, Emerson. [Heart’s Desire.] †$1.50. Macmillan.
“This is a weakly constructed story. The dialogue is occasionally amusing, but generally rather laboured; and the characterisation is inhuman and machine-made.”