2) “Children of this World” by Ellen F. Pinsent, Methuen: … … 2) Children of this World shows such a lamentable falling off from the splendid promise of Mrs. Pinsent’s last book that one is tempted to wonder whether it be not an earlier effort, which would never have seen the light but for the golden opinions bought on from all sorts of people by Jenny’s Case. The “Children of this World” are not wise, nor are they particularly entertaining. Janet and Rachel are fellow students at Newnham, and Rachel falls in love with Janet’s brother Gilbert, who, in his turn, falls in love with one Kitty, and marries her after sonic passages, more or less tender, with Rachel. His marriage accomplished, he cannot resist the temptation to ‘carry on’ with his former love, which he does to such a tune that she takes poison to escape him. His wife forgives him, of course. With this story Janet’s love affairs are mixed in hopeless confusion. The language is correct and fluent; the characters are distinctly and carefully drawn; Gilbert and his hypochondriacal mother are particularly well thought out. The book might have been interesting—only it isn’t. Over every page a heavy web of dullness is woven, and no page possesses half the interest of the last one. Perhaps this page is welcomed with the more enthusiasm because it is numbered 412—and the book is closely printed too! We appeal to Mrs. Pinsent to give the world work better than this, and briefer; and not to let her only claim to distinction rest upon Jenny’s Case.
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