South Seas Fiction
p. 36 · Read in the full issue
Letter to the Editor.
MISS GRIMSHAW—in telling me that she is the author of thirty-four books —has unfortunately missed the point of my remarks. When I said, ‘What is really wanted from writers of South Seas fic tion?” I ought perhaps to have said, “What should authors of South Sea fiction write about?” for that is certainly what I meant. My interest was more in what ought to be written than in the financial reactions of the public.
In bombarding me quantitatively, Miss Grimshaw must not expect to have made any qualitative impression, and I still maintain that those of us who have the good fortune of living—and writing—in these often-maligned, frequently-rhapso dised-over but always fascinating parts of the world, should endeavor as far as possible to impart a flavor of reality to our work.
As an author Miss Grimshaw ought not to feel personally affronted by the imper sonal criticism of one who, seeking more substantial fare, appears dissatisfied with even a thirty-four course menu, largely composed of literary eclairs.
I am, etc.,
R. Julian Dashwood.
Rakahanga, Cook Islands, 20/2/’34.