SOURCE: "Jean Rhys: Life's Unfinished Form," in Chicago Review, Vol. 32, No. 4, Spring, 1981, pp. 68-74.

In the following review, Pool offers negative analysis of Smile Please, citing flaws in the book's lack of structure and Rhys's unreflective content.

"Smile please," the man said. "Not quite so serious."

He'd dodged out from behind the dark cloth. He had a yellow black face and pimples on his chin.

I looked down at my white dress, the one I had got for my birthday, and my legs and the white socks coming half way up my legs, and the black shiny shoes with the strap over the instep.

"Now," the man said.

I tried but my arm shot up of its own accord.

"Oh what a pity, she moved."

"You must keep still," my mother said, frowning.

                                      Smile Please

Those who are familiar with the work of Jean Rhys will recognize in...