ILLYRIAN SPRING

Peking Picnic and The Ginger Griffin laid down certain tracks for Ann Bridge, so that her public doubtless expect from her a succession of novels against the background of Anglicized China. She's jumped her tracks in this new novel -- and gives her readers a thoughtful psychological novel of the ""dangerous age"" in women. The heroine, Lady Grace, escapes the stifling of an unappreciative family, a daughter whom she adores and does not understand, twin sons who go their own way, a brilliant economist husband who patronizes her artistic achievements and prefers the companionship of a fellow economist, Rose. Italy, more or less incognito, a Dalmatian cruise, the adoring devotion of a youth whose own artistic leanings have been frowned upon show her new ways to freedom. The ticklish problem of potential danger in romance between the woman and the boy is adroitly handled. The atmosphere of the Dalmatian coast sometimes suggests the ring of a guidebook, but on the whole is charmingly conveyed. And the story is good reading -- with a bit of humor -- and sound philosophy. Essentially a woman's book -- and for the more mature appreciation than her earlier books. Should have good rentals and good sales.