THE OUTSIDE LEAF

A realistic picture of a Jewish farming community near Hartford against a background of mood engendered by the war and the awareness of outrages to their people in their birthplaces, and pierced with internal scandals, hatreds, fears of the dangers to small farmers, the temptation to expand into large scale ventures. Hee Miller, draft-deferred, works and lives only for his tobacco, and scarcely sees red-headed Mary Foley who helps him in the fields, and gives no thought to his gentle father's tolerance, his mother's unhappiness. Eventually, Mary breaks down Mee's absorption and his mother's disapproval and they are married. There is colorful, downright speech, an interesting clash of generations, battles of temperament, family and community incidents to give distinction to this picture of the Jewish farmer.