13 FEBRUARY 1909, Page 24

The Faith of Iris Fathers. By A. E. Jaeomb. (Andrew

Melrose. 6s.)—This is a story of middle-class life lived in a town in the provinces. The touch of melodrama at the end is a little out of key with the rest of the novel, though the silent tragedy of the fate of old Mre. Atkinson is finely conceived and executed. The book will leave a sensation of intense dreariness on the mind of its readers. It is written with considerable power, but the atmosphere is of well-nigh continuous gloom, and as a work of art it decidedly lacks the saving gift of humour.