SOLDIERS' DAUGHTERS NEVER CRY

Good light reading with sustained interest, deftly handled, in a fantastic yet fascinating story. Jik Lewis, 18-year old art student, is daughter of a Captain Miller who was thrown out of the Indian army for dishonesty- a charge stalwartly disputed by his wife and daughter, but believed by his mother-in-law. Jik meets two Austrian army officers, Kurt, cruel and arrogant, whom she hates, and Xandi, with whom she falls in love. She uses Kurt-has an affair with him- in order to get to Austria to be near Xandi. Once there she ditches Kurt, and goes to work in Xandi's sister's hat shop, living with Xandi. Ilse learns that Kurt is a Nazi, and Kurt kills her fearing disclosure before the Germans take over Austria. Then Xandi sends Jik back to England and escapes to join her there. Kurt's death at Jik's hands is ruled as self-defense, and the last obstacle to Jik's marriage to Xandi is removed, and she is reconciled with her family. Delightful characterization, a somewhat complex story adroitly handled; on the whole, good reading. Though not for conservatives.