THE HEADLAND

A far cry from the Mid West setting one associates with Carol Brink in her memorable juveniles, this is a story of five youngsters grown to maturity in a Channel port village in France. To John Marsh and his sister, Hilda, the Headland was their own private reprieve from the school year in the United States, and the summers spent with their French grandmother were highspots in their lives. To Catalina and Raoul, the new home in France offered more security but less allure than the rugged days in Spain. But the Marshes widened their horizons, and Raoul and Hilda joined forces in leadership, while the gentler John and Catalina shyly dreamed of a future together. Vicky, wholly English, lured the foursome to a measure of acceptance with cakes and cookies, but kept her love for John in the background, even helping untutored Catalina with her rare letters. The Spanish Civil War enlisted Raoul, and he came back, crippled and bitter in defeat -- shutting Hilda off forever. But with World War II and occupation, he had another chance, became a collaborator, and with liberation- died in attempted escape, at the hands of his fellow townsfolk, and took Hilda to death with him. Catalina chose escape to a convent, and John found his answer in Vicky's staunch devotion. A pleasant tale, without profound significance.