In two of the finest of modern historical novels, Mary Renault has established herself as a woman writer with a unique understanding of men…. In "The Charioteer," Miss Renault has examined aspects of love among men in a thoroughly contemporary setting. This book should make plain to American readers what her British audience has long known, that Miss Renault is one of the major novelists of our time. Her insights are phenomenal, her reading of the fine print of psychological history extremely acute, her rendering of truth as she sees it forthright, courageous, informative and stirring. Moreover, she can keep several themes moving simultaneously, each reinforcing the other; and she knows from the beginning where her chariot is bound. In this earlier work her style runs occasionally to preciosity; but this tendency is usually balanced by good sense, and is probably less the outcome of affectation than of the need to communicate intangible realities….
By introducing conscientious objectors into her military hospital, Miss Renault balances her somewhat parochial main theme with one of larger importance. Pacifism has necessarily become a major question of our times, and conscientious objection in war time provides a real test of its validity. Miss Renault shows the force and integrity which enable those who have refused military service to win the respect of hostile soldiers. She makes it plain that pacifism is not passivity….
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