Dramas of Life. By George R. Sims. (Chatto and Windus.)—
Mr. Sims is one of the best, most popular, and most realistic— without being realistic in an offensive sense—of writers of short stories, in which "umble " and " 'igh" life are contrasted with dramatic effect. Hera he is seen at his best, presenting the comedy and tragedy of life in the style which has made him such a favourite in those portions of theatres most affected by "human nature." The very titles, such as "The Millionaire's Secret," "For a Man's Life," "The Suicide's Legacy," and "A Bijou Residence," are attractive. But in the great majority of cases the stories are in all respects worthy of the titles, for Mr. Sims is a complete master of all the "tricks of his trade," including even the now rather overdone detective " business ; " and it would not be easy to got hold of a book bettor fitted to relieve the tedium of a railway journey than this. It would ha,vo been well, however, if be had refrained from indirectly dealing with what have been matters of public controversy, as in "Why he was hanged."
Previous page
