National and English Review (Volume 1)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 257 THE NEW SCHOOL OF FICTION. La nature est bonne a imiter, mais non pas jusqu'a 1'ennui.--D'alembebt. Two of the most successful novels that have been published in this country within the last eighteen months are the work of Americans, I mean Mr. Henry James' Portrait of a Lady and Mr. Howells' A Modern Instance. They bear a strong family resemblance. In both there is a charming young woman who, at an early stage of the story, falls in love with and marries a plausible scoundrel; in both there is a silent adorer, whose claims on our pity are heightened by physical weakness; in both the ultimate fate of the heroine is veiled in enigmatic obscurity. These however are mere external and accidental points of resemblance. The real resemblance, that which justifies the reader in recognising the two novels as belonging to the same family, lies far deeper. It lies in the elaborate analysis of character, in the absence of plot, in the sparing use of incident, in the studied realism, in the conscientious subordination of the artist to his art, in the acute powers of observation, and in the humour, which, never forced or obtrusive, seems to exist, not because the writer's own gifts lie specially in that direction, but because, as a healthy and impartial observer of human life, he cannot fail to take note of its humorous side. I have spoken of these novels as successful, but this does not imply that they enjoy a wide popularity. I should say rather that it is confined to a small and select circle of admirers. But within this circle the admiration is very considerable, and it includes the reviewers. They have been almost unanimous in their praise. To have the reviewers on your side, especially in the land of the stranger, is certainly a success of its kind. It may possibly ...