LANDFALL

Shute once again making hay while the bombs fall in a story of topical terror, war over England. And, slim as it is, the result is smoothly manoeuvred and exciting reading. The book should carry partly on his name, partly on its timeliness. The story is that of Jerry Chambers, clean cut R.A.F. pilot, a pink faced, unimaginative, but thoroughly personable young man. How Jerry, on a patrol, bombs and sinks a submarine which is thought to be British — and faces the stigma thereof. He falls in love with a young barmaid Mona, is transferred to another unit where he tests a dangerous bombing device, is critically injured, and recovers to find himself cleared of the sub sinking due to Mona's efforts. A superficial book, but exciting reading of war on land and in the air. Is a reluctant public ready for it?