Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 2, No. 18. September 20, 1939

A Book

A Book

No Time Like The Present. Storm Jameson, Modern Books, Dominion Farmers' Building.

After H.W.G. in an editorial, and speakers at the International Relations Club have convincingly, as it would seem, put the pacifists on the shelf, it is of value to hear a different attitude. This book is frank hatred of war, on few grounds that are not emotional; but from this basis its strength arises. Miss Jameson's uncompromising detestation of the cloak that is laid on war is as bitter as the song of a mad Ophelia. Her attacks on pseudo-religion, on the press, and on armament manufacturing, though mere rationalisations, are like the sword that pierces a heap of dung.

It is the autobiography of a sensitive- woman-in-the-street and it rings true. It should recall memories to those of her generation which they were in danger of forgetting, if they have not already forgotten. She does not seek to morbidly dwell on the horrors of war, or to enhance them. What she does describe is untrammelled. Her youngest friend died, "holding handfuls of his entrails and screaming."

Miss Jameson's charm and sincerity, embodied in her simplicity, make the book well worth reading, even were its enunciation not so vital to the world today. Her brief sketches of people are delightful and her impressionistic painting of scenes, slightly reminiscent of her admired Lawrence, have much of his warmth and colour.

It is a book essentially for women.

D.S.

Image of a man and woman dancing