Although The Camomile is not a very well known novel, and one of only two novels written by Carswell, it reflects the tradition of Jane Austen with a bit of Kate Chopin's The Awakening thrown in.

Semi-autobiographical, the Camomile journals a young woman's battle against convention without the pomp and circumstance of other "feminist" authors. The protagonist, Ellen Carstairs, is well-balanced and through her journal entries to her friend Ruby, we see Ellen contend with ideas of matrimony, career and what it is to be a woman in the early part of this century.

Carswell's language is witty and Ellen is rather winsome and sympathetic as a protagonist. Highly recommended for lovers of Austen. Musicians, professional and amateur alike, will also empathize with Ellen.