Birmingham age-herald., 1894-08-26
Social and Otherwise
IAIl items of social interest will be gladly noted in this column if sent to Mrs. George 0. Ball, 2161 Highland avenue.


 a question which is of interest to many, and 1t was propounded because a promi- nent minister had been quoted as con- demning such books as SstHeavenly Twins, etc. The writer of the note de- sires to know what think of the moral- ity of this much talked about novel. Very few books excite such general interest and such universal criticism as has been ac- corded this most famous of all Madame Grand's novels. It is brilliantly writtenS all through it pages glow and burn the fires of genius. The writing of such book, from a literary standpoint, is sui 6cient to make any woman immortal. 1t should be read leisurely in order to be thoroughly enjoyed. It leaves an impress sion upon the thoughtful reader not easily efaced. It gives every woman cause for congratulation that such literary tri: umph has been achieved by one of her sex. But, with all these things in its favor, why is it that the concensus of public opinion pronounces the Heavenly Twins' something of failure? Why is it considered to have fallen short of the object intended to be reached by its gifted authoress? Simply because Madame Grand has attempted to teach humanity lesson with the most un- human teachers. This book belongs to the large class of purpose novels, and, like many others or that order, in 1t much common sense is sacrificed to the all iin- pUrlant purpose. No one, either teacher, writer or speaker, can reach humanity, can penetrate to the souls and hearts of their fellow creatures unless they possess certain sympathies, certain human traits which call forth response from all nat ural men and women.
 Madame Graud's characters have an in- tense interest for the reader, somewhat due 10 the fact that happily many of them are almost unknown specimens-many of them are thoroughly abnormal, but, like
 li-1f sx.,s s..- .1oI af2. teresting and entertaining It is not advisable to go into great prominent in ''Heaveny Twins,' Tor any one who has carefully read the book will agree with me, 1 am confident. The twins" are the most extraordinary specimens of childhood within the knowl- euge of man. One such child would have been enough to convince the reader that Madame Grand is not familiar with every day children, while two such examples render pateut tue fact that the authoress is not a mother. And it is refreshing to know that such unusual, uncanny creat- ures are merely the children of the writer's brain. Now, as to the morale of the book. believe, as every one must, in the sim cerity of Madame Brands desire to im- prove the condition of our race. Her ob- ject undou btediy is to teach higher order of morals; but, as I said, you cannot effect any good ln thls way by some of the un- human characters she portrays. Take Evadne, for instance; can you imagine colder, more calculating, selfish creature than she is represented to be2 What man could be saved by such a wife? Madame Grand intended to show us pure- minded, high strung woman, but when you close the book you are constrained to offer thanks that all women are not as she thinking only Of her own comfort, doing absolutely nothing for the salvation of her husband-whom, you remember, she was exceedingly anxious to marry-but, by her selhshness and narrowness, doing every thing in her power to render his life dis dressing failure. And, you remember also, that in this she succeeded wonderfully well. Then, as is the habit with tbis kind Sf woman, she congra2 ated her little soul sna hch s Ss0s to hs Oresing later sins and Shortcomings of her wrecked and wretchedN husband. Madame Grand failed in her purpose to teach higher morals, because she created teachers un worthy of their vocation. Evadnes will never improve the condition of the world, morally or mentally, but Madame Grand's intention was to do something for the good of humanity. In this she failed, because, instead of making her heroine a true, loving, noble woman, she made her selfish, miserable creature, with neither heart or brain equal to the duties and re- quirements, of he. Madame Grand desires to elevate the race, but the examples she gives as the result of her doctrines are not conducive to the advancement of the cause of good morals or good manners.
 
 One of the pleasantest and most improv- ing of our many agreeable social organiza- tious is Book club recently formed by number of women on the South Highlands. The club is limited to fitsen memb .rs, ard the meetings occur every other Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the residence of some member. The refreshments are light, being limited to one course, which is a very admirable feature. Each member contributes certain sum of money, and with 1t books are purchased--every lady expressing a preference for some good work, and in this way fifteen desirable books are secured by the club. and are read and discussed by the members. The meet ing next Tuesday afternoon will be at Mrs. w. T. Murdock's, when James Whitcomb Riley and his writings will engross the attention ofthe club. This is delightful arrangement in every way, and will prove number of such clubs might be formed for the winter by the married and unmarried women alike. There is no reason why clubs of men and women similar to this one should not be- organized, meeting in the. the evenings instead of afternoons for convenience sake. club of thirty young people-ffteen young ladies and fifteen young gentlemen-would find great pleasure and i'm provement in the study and discussion of the works Of cele- brated authors, say those of the present century. Do try this, young ladies and gentlemen, and you will become fascinated with the experiment.. The Book club president Mrs. Robert D. Johnston, sec- retary and treasurer, Mrs. George l.. Haven; the other members are: Mesdames Fred Hardy, L. G.. Woodson, T. o. Smith,