New Fiction (Press, 18 May 1957)

On 18 May 1957, a review was published discussing two notable novels: "Justine" by Lawrence Durrell and "Not Glory" by John Goldthorpe. Lawrence Durrell's "Justine" is described as his first serious foray into novel writing since 1938, when he published "The Black Book." Despite the previous book's accolades, including praise from T. S. Eliot, Durrell is primarily recognised as a poet and author of poetic works about specific locations such as Corfu and Rhodes. In "Justine," Durrell explores themes of relationships within the vibrant backdrop of Alexandria. The novel features a wealthy Egyptian, his wife, a Jewish nymphomaniac, an English schoolteacher, and his mistress, a prostitute. The narrative is noted for its poetic qualities, though it is critiqued for its shapelessness, reflecting Durrell’s morally ambiguous approach to his characters. The text often calls to mind the Bloomsbury group, particularly through its exploration of personal relationships and a somewhat anachronistic philosophical musings reminiscent of Virginia Woolf. Durrell portrays Alexandria as a city that influences the characters' moral compass, creating a complex interplay between environment and individual action. However, the underlying deterministic themes and the portrayal of flawed characters may not resonate with all readers, possibly making it less appealing to those seeking a more straightforward narrative. The second book reviewed, "Not Glory" by John Goldthorpe, tackles the persecution of Christians in Alexandria during 303 A.D., set against the backdrop of Roman Egypt's occupation. This lengthy religious novel intertwines the historical context of severe repression, resulting from an edict by Galerius, with extensive theological dialogues. While the first part of the book is slow, focusing on philosophical conversations about faith, the action accelerates with the onset of brutal persecutions. Goldthorpe vividly depicts the destruction of churches and the torturous fates of Christian believers who face charges of disloyalty to Rome. The author succeeds in weaving together personal narratives of love and faith, particularly through the poignant accounts of martyrs and the heart-wrenching experiences of those trying to save their loved ones from dire circumstances. Although the theological discussions may feel tedious and the book is not categorised as a great piece of literature, it carries a compelling narrative that captures the essence of its historical period. The emotional depth and the vivid depiction of character experiences may appeal to readers interested in historical novels that explore the intersections of faith, love, and suffering.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand