Caterina. By the Author of "Lauterdale." 3 vols. (Hurst and
Blackett.)—There are several threads of interest in this novel, yet somehow the whole fails to be interesting, at least in any absorbing way. There are many people in the action of the drama whose sayings and doinga aeem worthy of being recorded. The old Colonel, with his reclamation schemes ; his energetic niece ; the Austrian refugee, Count Regent; McLean the engineer, and his son; the heroine herself,—these, and others also, are noteworthy personages. The Colonel's agent, too, brings in an element of genuine Irish humour. Perhaps if there were less abundance we should be more satisfied. The scene of the story is laid for the most part in Ireland ; but the disagreeable element in Irish matters is not too mach obtruded on us. On the whole, there is much ability in the composition of the book, and we get an impression that whatever failure there may be, comes not from want of power in the author, but from an infelicity in the choice and use of materials.
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