An unusual story of a living opal, a woman of wondrous beauty, who feels “everything a little, but nothing much,” and who is a clever reflection of each personality with whom she comes in contact, “a thousand women in one.” Then there is the “one woman in a thousand,” strong and homely, whose “character and features are at constant warfare.” And there is the man in whom lay the possibilities which might make of him either “a leader of men or a follower of women.” This is the important material. Boston and the other characters are mere background. The real woman loves the man, but gives him the opal because she fancies it will make him happy. It is the usual story of the unlucky stone which brings misfortune to the donor and possessor; and the iridescent girl, with no more evil intent than the gem itself, wrecks the lives of all who come in intimate contact with her. In the end, when what she has done is legally undone, the finer qualities of the real woman’s character keep her from her heart’s desire.
[*] “Written with such marked individuality of style.” Frederic Taber Cooper.
| + — | Bookm. 21: 270. My. ‘05. 320w. | |
| + — | Critic. 47: 94. Jl. ‘05. 140w. |
“The argument is unusual, and it is strikingly presented. It seems, however, to be a theme too extensive for treatment so brief, and there are other evidences, slight but convincing, of lack of craftsmanship.”
| + — | Dial. 38: 392. Je. 1. ‘05. 200w. |
“Such a flat, foolish and unconvincing creature has, therefore, no reason for existence, at least not in a novel.”
| — | Ind. 58: 1009. My. 4, ‘05. 200w. |
“Of unusual interest and originality. The women are admirably drawn, both of them, but the character of ‘the opal’ is a bit of portraiture quite unique.”
| + + | N. Y. Times. 10: 140. Mr. 4. ‘05. 380w. |
“Most of the story is made up of conversation, which is entertaining. The action is rapid.”