| + − | Acad. 73: 731. Jl. 27, ’07. 400w. |
“One does not realize it (there are so many diverse interests touched by a sympathetic and exceedingly observant perception) till nearly the end; but the tale is compounded of elements which do not coalesce quite happily.”
| + − | Lond. Times. 6: 212. Jl. 5, ’07. 330w. | |
| Nation. 85: 268. S. 26. ’07. 200w. |
“Parts of the story are pretty dull, and the style tends to be tedious, but for all that there is really good stuff in the rather nondescript and futile whole called ‘The burning torch.’”
| + − | N. Y. Times. 12: 548. S. 14, ’07. 380w. |
“While there are many grim and not altogether pleasant traits distributed among the actors, there is also a decided hopefulness for humanity and faith in God pervading the story.”
| + − | Outlook. 87: 269. O. 5, ’07. 270w. |
“A book heavier with fate and fatalities we have never seen. It is not an easy book to read.”
| − | Putnam’s. 3: 239. N. ’07. 760w. |
“Miss Montresor can always be relied upon for a straightforward story without ellipse or obscurity; she tells it fluently and at some length, as though she could not help telling it. She has delicacy and enough observation to make every one of her numerous characters distinct.”