Those who read “Pointed Roofs” will remember taking leave of Miriam as she got in the train for home, after her term as assistant teacher in a German school was ended. “Backwater” continues the narrative of Miriam’s life, the period now being the emotional period of life, when life is at its fullest. The reception given to “Pointed Roofs” has given Miss Richardson a status. She is recognized as a writer whose method is original and “different,” and who is thereby successful in conveying by means of a few strokes the vital experiences of her characters and their action on one another. Mr. J. D. Beresford, who contributed an introduction to “Pointed Roofs,” admitted having read the story three times, the pleasure he experienced at the first being increased by subsequent readings. He considers “Backwater” even more interesting. -------- E. C. BOOTH Fondie. A Novel. By E. C. BOOTH, author of “The Cliff End,” “The Doctor’s Lass.” Crown 8vo, 6s. This story of Fondie Bassiemoor, his life, and also that of the inhabitants of Wivvle, a Yorkshire village, is a big novel in every way. Mr. Booth’s unhurried method requires a large canvas, and although the story is long for a modern novel the feeling of the reader at the finish is that on no account would he have it shorter. Mr. Booth pictures the everyday life of a rural village in Yorkshire with all its types and characters clearly and lovingly drawn; the comedy and tragedy of life painted with the sure hand of an artist and master craftsman. The natural tone and accent of speech is reproduced, but there is nothing irritating in its transcription as the author renders the Yorkshire dialect in such manner and so naturally that no unusual effort is required to read it. The note of comedy is preserved through the greater part of the book, but the sadness of life is not ignored. To each their place. The author’s previous books have been unreservedly praised, but it is thought by competent judges that “Fondie” is a particular advance on any of his earlier work. For a comparison one must go to the early work of Thomas Hardy. Perhaps “Far from the Madding Crowd” is the closest. Mr. Booth’s “Fondie” will stand the comparison very well. -------- MARY AGNES HAMILTON Dead Yesterday. By MARY AGNES HAMILTON, author of “Less than the Dust,” “Yes.” Crown 8vo, 6s.