15 DECEMBER 1888, Page 26

Our Boy. By Jessie M. Barker. (Roper and Drowley.)—This is

a story of a somewhat ordinary type. It contains nothing very pleasant and nothing very unpleasant. A young man has the misfortune to have a drunkard for his father. Owing to this con- nection he has to pass through a good deal of trouble, and among other things is thrown over by the young lady to whom he is engaged to be married. Eventually this turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as he discovers somebody whom he loves much better. Miss Barker has apparently a poor opinion of the Salvation Army, and takes an opportunity of showing it. The incident by which this is managed seems to be unnecessary. The book would have lost nothing by its omission.