Light Freights. By W. W. Jacobs. With 12 Illustrations. (Methuen
and Co. 3s. 6d.) —It is not often that the task of a conscientious reviewer resolves itself into an agreeable sinecure. Mr. Jacobs, however, convinces us of the propriety of this attitude. To discount the pleasure of the reader by picking out the good things which crowd these pages is nothing short of a crime. We shall best fulfil our duty by the simple statement that we are heartily sorry for any one who can "keep a straight face" throughout the perusal of Light Freights. The book—with the exception of one very clever and ghastly pseudo-ghost story —is a mine of undiluted diversion, and what specially pleases us is the fact that, while the humours of the coasting trade seem to provide Mr. Jacobs with an inexhaustible incentive to innocent merriment, he has in the present volume shown equal success in discovering ludicrous motives in the everyday life of yckels and villagers. Personally, we envy those who have not yet read the book, and look forward ourselves to reading it again at the earliest opportunity.
Previous page
