The Light. By Mrs. Harold E. Gorst. (Cassell and Co.
6s.)— Roughly speaking, Mrs. Gorst's new book deals with the same subject as Mr. George Moore's novel, published about twelve years ago, "Esther Waters." There is nothing particularly new in Mrs. Gorst's treatment of her theme, for the servant-girl who is the central figure, Margaret Durnley, is very much of the same type as Esther Waters, and her fate is equally disastrous. Her confinement within the walls of the workhouse, and her sub- sequent adventures to support herself and her child, are depicted in great detail, and the series of undeserved misfortunes which compels her to make perpetual new beginnings is managed so as not to seem unnatural. The book certainly shows the world as a very cruel place to the unmarried mother. It is not quite certain whether Mrs. Gorst approves of the justice of this, or what remedy she would suggest which would open a more easy road to reformation. The whole subject is a thorny one, and it is doubtful whether any good is done by discussing it under the veil of fiction.
Previous page
