5 JULY 1913, Page 36

The Common Chord. By Phyllis Bottome. (Martin Seeker. 6s.)—The author

of this book manages cleverly both the scenes in rather Bohemian theatrical circles, and those which aro concerned with the middle-class English family of the name of Prout. Judith St. Calvert, the heroine, is the secretary of a relation of the Prouts and lives by her- self in London. The hero, Jean D'Ucelle, although a Frenchman, is a nephew of the Prouts. He is also a musical genius. His first impressions of England, seen in the unexhilarating atmosphere of a funeral, are very well told. Miss Phyllis Bottome succeeds admirably also with the figure of Sonia, the great dancer, and makes the reader believe not only in her whims, but (a more difficult matter)- in her genius. The plot of the story is quite slight and not particularly original, but both character-drawing and writing are decidedly accomplished.