=The Scotsman.=—‘It is no doubt a remarkable book. If it has almost none of the humour of its predecessor (_The Green Carnation_), it is written with the same brilliancy of style, and the same skill is shown in the drawing of accessories. Mr. Hichens’s three characters never fail to be interesting. They are presented with very considerable power, while the background of Egyptian life and scenery is drawn with a sure hand.’
LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN, 21 BEDFORD STREET, W.C.
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=The Spectator.=—‘Several of his types are painted in with a fine combination of breadth of effect and wealth of significant detail.... Certainly a book which has not merely cleverness, but real vitality.’
=The Speaker.=—‘A novel of such remarkable merit, and written with such easy mastery of style. From first to last this striking and powerful story maintains a high level of excellence, betokening no ’prentice hand. It is a story teeming with humour and pathos, instinct with the irony of human fate, and quick to apprehend the subtle twists and inconsistencies of human character. Above all, it is deliciously original ... and told with great spirit, humour, and dramatic vigour. A vivid picture of a side of life upon which little light has been cast by our novelists since Dickens laid down his pen.’
=The Morning Post.=—‘On the whole realistic; this presentment of Holland in London has certain impressionist touches that are decidedly effective.... All the tragedy of the book centres in the figure of Peter van Eijk, a creation which says much for the author’s imaginative powers.’
=The Daily Telegraph.=—‘A singular little novel, which has so undeniable a power of its own.’ (Mr. W. L. COURTNEY.)
=The Globe.=—‘The literary treatment is fresh and impressive.... The author shows skill in all its characterisations, his mastery of Dutch idiosyncrasy being obviously complete.’
=The Daily Chronicle.=—‘One does not care to put the book down till the last page is turned.’
=The Westminster Gazette.=—‘Vivid in portraiture, vivacious in manner.... The combination of close observation and grim sardonic humour gives the book a decided charm....The pathetic figure of Peter is drawn with a tenderness which indefinitely enlarges our impression of the author’s dramatic possibilities.’