5 February 1921

5 February 1921

Villa Isola Bella, Menton, France

My dear 'Sylvia Lynd'.

I was simply horrified today to open a copy of last week's Athenaeum & to read that disgusting review of your novel. What can I say? I had to give up all my reviewing work weeks ago - in November, but nevertheless I feel I must apologise that a paper which Ive anything to do [with] should treat a delicate sensitive artist in such a way. Murry had to come over here suddenly a short time ago on account of my health; he only returned today. He was with me when the post arrived and shared my dismay and anger. He begged me to include him in my telegram. I scarcely know Mr Lynd, but I felt that a telegram to him might reach you sooner & I wanted to reach you at once.

My dear fellow-writer, I would give anything for this not to have happened. I long to read your novel . . . Don't bother to answer this, but please accept my admiration and love.

                     Katherine Mansfield

[Letter to Sylvia Lynd in Collected Letters, 6 February 1921]