A Harborne Authoress: Amid the tons of veritable rubbish that teems from the press sunder the name of literature, it is consoling to find now and again a work really worthy of being classed as such, and those who turn to the “Children of this world,” just issued by Messrs. Methuen and Co., may have every confidence of being able to peruse it without disappointment. This is the second published work of Mrs. Ellen Pinsent, a well-known resident of Harborne; and the popularity she achieved in “Jenny’s Case,” published some two years ago, will be considerably enhanced by her present venture. Her views in some respects may leave room for misconception in the mind of the reader, but of the abilities of Mrs. Pinsent as a writer, there cannot be two opinions. She is evidently a keen observer, a studious thinker and a faithful delineator of character, and her pages follow each other with a sort of crispness and smoothness which is quite refreshing; especially so after the laboured attempts necessary to get through some of the works of the “Robert Elsmere” and “Marcella” type. With a temerity that can certainly be admired, Mrs. Pinsent has essayed to tackle the subject of Agnosticism and discusses with much acumen and lucidity some of the deeper mysteries of life and death, not unmindful of the conditions under which we have now to live. A candid sceptic among the fairer sex may be regarded somewhat of a “rara avis,” but Janet Mauleverer we have one who can in some respects command esteem. She is presented as a being who stands out in striking contrast to the pious minded Rachel Millman, who, in an evil moment falls a victim to the perfidy of one she trusted, and ends by suicide, her blighted existence. … (continues) …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0245 Devonport: Ellen Frances Parker: 1866 – 1949