Mrs. Carter uses James Galantry as the focus of her idea [in "The Galantrys"]. Into her scrutiny of his character she pours her vision of past and future, of England, of society and, I think, a philosophic vision of what could be. Of course, this adds up to an attempt to write the ideal novel; it is hardly surprising that Mrs. Carter does not realize the attempt completely. But the fact that she had the courage to tackle such a theme gives her book breadth and interest….

[James Galantry's] blend of wildly incompatible racial strains, carrying the stigma of "half-breed" in early Victorian England, produces the fundamental conflict. Its effect on James' character is studied through his growing up, his courtship, loves lost and gained, his progeny, his ideals—all he cherishes and hates. The rococo background, of course, is excellent for this inner—and outer—struggle. The...