New Fiction (Press, 8 November 1958)

The news story discusses several novels reviewed in a publication on 8 November 1958. The first is "Cotton Web" by Barbara Hunt, a detailed epic novel chronicling the decline of the New England cotton industry during the early 20th century. The narrative vividly portrays the historical context of Fall River, focusing on mill-owners driven by greed, immigrant workers facing wage cuts, and the stringent Puritan morals which harshly condemned any form of sexual laxity. The story revolves around Barnabas Olney, a principled mill owner who, after his son Lucian seduces and abandons Kitty McCarran, an Irish millworker, takes her in after she bears Lucian's child. Barnabas's compassionate act is misinterpreted, leading to his ostracisation by the community, who mistakenly believes him to be the child's father. The portrayal of a range of characters adds depth to the narrative, connecting personal struggles to the broader tapestry of American history. Another novel reviewed is "Husband For Victoria" by Vaughan Wilkins, which wraps up a trilogy starting with "And So—Victoria." It is noted that the book can stand alone and is celebrated for Wilkins's engaging writing style and extensive historical knowledge. The story opens with Queen Victoria contemplating a marriage proposal to Prince Albert. The narrative then dives back into the intrigues of the Napoleonic era, introducing various characters. However, the plot becomes convoluted, confusing some readers while they attempt to follow the numerous threads, although the mystery surrounding Prince Albert's lineage is intriguing for those keen on detective narratives. The review also touches on "Later Than You Think" by M. M. Kaye, set against the backdrop of Kenya. The novel revolves around the murder of Alice Deßrett and features Victoria Caryll, who returns to the family estate to assist in its management. Complications arise due to her past feelings for Eden Deßrett, Alice's husband, creating personal and investigative tensions. The police face challenges as all white suspects are familiar faces, and a native claims that the murder was committed by Alice’s aunt. The plot is filled with red herrings and culminates in a surprising conclusion, making it appealing to crime fiction fans. Lastly, "No Language But a Cry" by Lennox Cook is noted for its challenging subject matter, centred on Martin Henley, a homosexual man navigating life in Bangkok while working for a timber firm. His past incarceration for his sexual orientation haunts him, complicating his relationship with Diana, an embassy worker who becomes enamoured with him. The story captures the struggles of Henley as he attempts to connect with Diana while grappling with his unfulfilled affections towards his boss. Although the book offers meticulously drawn characters, it is described as a rather depressing narrative. These reviews highlight a range of themes from societal issues and historical contexts to personal dilemmas, showcasing the literary landscape of the time.

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