New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-16
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

INA b, KATHERINE vAIKRro svO pp la2 James Oseood Co
The contrast between the passion of con-
,ueal love and influence Of personal ambition, as
manifested in the feminine and masculine nature may
be regarded the dominant motive in the plan OF this
novel Ina heroine, admirable specimen of the
finer type OF German womanhOod Of exquisite purity
and nObeness of character keeny sensitive to the power
of affection and finding CHEST life In the exercise OF
all gracious household sympathes. Occupying an
honorable, but subordinate, position in PROMINENT
italian family in Turin, she makes the acqualhF
ance of young man Of high political distine-
ton at Court by whom she is entlced INTO
secret marriage which is celebrated by Protestant
clergyman I'm the Swiss city Of Lucerne, and OF
course without legal validity under the Roman Cathohc
government sardnaa fact which she learns FOR the
fret time many months after the colonization OF the
marriage. The description of their domestic IRE III
beautiful cottage, embowered in grapevines ana whd
roses the Of the Lake Of Lucerne, presents
charming picture OF rural simplicity and cOnhdng hap
piness But dark change soon comes over the young
dream Of mutual love. Emanuele the fond ana de-
voted husband is recalled to Italy In the service
Of the Government, leaving his radiant bride IN
the Swiss cottage. He gradually becomes entaneeu
In the tolls OF political ambition, and through
fear Of impairing his prospects in that direction
the public announcement of his marriage, WIN 'U1
promise OF which he had quoted the scruples OF ma
before and after the ceremony in the church p,,
under her solicitations that the truth snon'u po 49,
he at length informs her of the lnVahui'9 VI W
testaDt marriage. and yielding to the ~
a CAV coquette of Turin forms engagement win 'ne
fair syren The plot is wound up Dy 1he ued'h vi
Emapuele who is secretly shot by the Drother VI lna III
order to ayenge the fanced dshonor OF his SISTER III TIC
construction of the story, we find proof or con-
siderable inventive power lively and brilliant imagna-
tion and certain uency Of expression, combined with
Che etcts of taste and execution which are Inevitable
An arsf ambitious literary experiment. In some in
the scene is ncumbered with superhuous char
acter that add nothing the progress Of the story and
,mpsir the unity Of impression. The introduction OF the
nrpce ard princess purpose hut 10 place the
sensitive sympathetic nature of Ina in holder perspec
tive but ample opportunity for the illustration of this
trait is afforded by the whole development OF the plot
Mt and Mrs Coman serve purpose whatever, but
are simply very disagreeabe personages, who exhibit
carcature OF American manners which with ali the alb
surdtes Of our travellers abroad finds no prototype in
actual life. The dialogue in this novel shows
more strength than vivacity. 1t abounds In
gorgeous metaphors and other rhetorical displays which
are usually quite out Of keeping with the position OF
the interocuors altogether too ornamental for ma
ture. The frequent OF foreign phrases, and not
always the most approved style, gives an air OF sun
ness almost Of pedanry to the narrative, and often
forms an ungaceful contrast to the easy homespun col
loquialisms in the writer INDUCES perhaps little
too freely These are however but superficial blemshes
that do not greatly detract from the genuine merits OF
The work hch will doubtless meet with generous com
endaton from apprecative readers for the elevation OF
its tone and the urgency with which enforces the les
son OF truthfulness, honor and selfsacrhce III the
most intimate relations of life.