China and the West

Lowell, Amy. An observer in China : Profiles from China by Eunice Tietjens : review [ID D32294].
I read that book through three times before I put it down, and the next ay I read it again. Then I waited some weeks and read it once more ; the charm remained. That charm of something new, sincere, an original thought expressed personally and vividly.
Profiles from China is strong and free, and is evidence of a rare psychological insight. As interpretations of Chinese character, these poems are of only the slightes interest ; it is as pictures of the fundamental antagonism of the East and the West that they are important. The poet makes no pretence at an esoteric sympathy which she does not possess. Her complete sincerity is not the least of the volume's excellencies. Only in the section 'Echoes', is there the slightest preoccupation with the native point of view, and although there is here much Chinese decoration, such as 'the fifth day of the fifth month ', 'the tiny footfalls of the fox-maidens ', and 'the hour of the horse ', still these poems remain rather as exercise in the Chinese manner, than as an intimate fusing of the author's ego with that of China.
There is not a word too much in these poems. They are sharp and beautiful, and extraordinarily satisfying. One of the best is 'On a Canton River Boat'.
Mrs. Tietjens is more than modern or 'new' ; she is herself. Her kind of poetry is distinctly hers, a perfectly natural utterance. This book deserves high praise and is an earnest of future accomplishment.