“It is mainly for the promise in the book that we commend it.”
| + − | Ath. 1906, 2: 767. D. 15. 190w. | |
| − | N. Y. Times. 12: 120. F. 23, ’07. 160w. |
De Selincourt, Hugh. Strongest plume. †$1.50. Lane.
“In ‘The strongest plume’ Mr. de Selincourt tackles in characteristic fashion the problem of the girl who in conventional phrase ‘goes wrong’ before her marriage.... The man to whom she is engaged is a very ordinary, common-place prig, quite incapable of understanding the real nature of the girl who has given herself to him. He is perfectly ready, indeed anxious, to do ‘the right thing’ and marry her as soon as possible, but he is at no pains to disguise his personal feeling that Joan is really a ‘fallen’ woman. She resents his attitude ... comes gradually to the realisation that it has all been a terrible mistake. She comes to see that she has no love for him at all, and that marriage, so far from setting everything right, will only be an added wrong.”—Acad.
“In his study of the girl’s mental development, in the fidelity of his psychological analysis, Mr. de Selincourt almost touches greatness. His delineation bears the unmistakable stamp of truth. It carries conviction.”
| + − | Acad. 73: 696. Jl. 20, ’07. 780w. |
“The portraiture is much superior to the knowledge of life displayed. Mr. De Sélincourt’s cynicism is still that of youth, without an adequate basis; but though we find the work immature, we remain confident that he will yet write a fine story.”
| − | Ath. 1907, 2: 36. Jl. 13. 150w. |
“He writes well, and he has a notable gift for the analysis of character. But at present he does not escape dulness; he gives the impression of distinction, and leaves us cold.”