The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-30
FORMER BIRMINGHAM MAN WRITES GEORGIA NOVEL

than any story I now remember, and each one of these is an essential factor of the plot, and aids immensely in keep ing up the interest from the first line 10 the last
 Each member of the Shelley family Is a typical southerner,, kind, generous, and possessing that saving sense of humor which tides over the many trying stua- tions.
 No finer example of the fine old south ern gentleman could be found than Capt. Gabe Shelley, who stands out as the leading character of the book His young wife, Madge is not less delightful; while the daughter, Rose, is a real creation in literature for she does and says things that no other heroine ever did, and ee- velops characteristics that any whole
 some girl might covet. While I think that I discern certain defects in the treatment of the southern dialect, this
 varies so much with different localities
 that there is, perhaps, no real standard. The speech of the colored people nearly always follows closely after the pattern of
 the types of whites with whom they are thrown in contact. Nor shall [ dwell on any other apparent shortcomings, for the reason that these are amply atoned for by the merits which crop out on every page.
 As a whole, the story possesses a grip
 
 component parts the spirit and purpose underlying the entire fabric. And the manner in which these are manifested is like a painting that baffles analysis. The plot requires some reforming to be done in the line of the story. The object, however, is an erring man in- stead of the too common 'frail woman. Not one word of preachment occurs in any part of the book; but it none the less conveys one of the most striking moral lessons ever presented in fiction. It's philosophy is sound and wholesome from beginning to ending. If there is a false
 note in 1t, I have failed to discern it. No feature of the story is more fas- einatin and powerful than that which deals with the war episodes. Tn these we have a graphic glimpse of the fracas between this country and Spain in 1898, the period in which the action is laid. We see the American citizen soldiers wounded and dying at Fl Caney. and at Santiago; we find Rose Shelley in one of the hospitals, an angel of helpfulnesS, and we are struck with admiration when we discover the real objects which move her to the sacrifices she is making. Three other characters besides th'e Shel- leys are drawn with wonderful fidelity to life and hold the readers interest un- abated. These are the two young men,
 Homer Fort and Tom Blankenship; and MlI1lIe 1Tdy, lut llItiS 5iIl liOill lllC hills, who is perfect foil for Rose, and who proves in the end, to be one of the most powerful and surprising creations in the entire cast
 One breathes the luscious odors of the blooming, peach trees even after the story is told; and I cannot close this notice without paying my tribute to "Captain McCabe" for his splendid plan to care for the little white waifs of the country districts, and to give the same benefits to those of the towns One won ders why such a plan might not be put into practical operation in large and comprehensive way. Nor can I omit ref erence to the genuine truth to nature of the many romantic episodes in tnls book They are so true, so simple, and in such good taste that the memory dwells upon them long after the story is read. But take my advice: To realize what this story has for you, you must read it. No review can even suggest it's value.