RECENT & READABLE

THE BATTLE WITHIN--Philip Gibbs--Doubleday, Doran ($2.50). Moralist Gibbs slickly manipulates the fortunes of the Haddon family to show how Britain faces up to war. As Dr. Haddon goes on his troubled rounds, his lady frets over their son Peter, in love with a friend's wife. Daughter Pearl is forced to choose between a German flyer and a nice American sergeant. Author Gibbs deftly solves the problems, or sends insoluble characters off to heroic death.

THE HIGH ROAD--Frances Grinstead --Doubleday, Doran ($2.50). Rove Carruthers would rather dream great deeds than do them. Aged 16 and a man by Ozark standards, he loves Jubilee, hates go-getting, hardworking Abner Holly. But even Jubilee grows impatient with Rove when he neglects his new farm because he has heard the call to preach. The story of how Rove finally wins over Jubilee by driving Abner to the sinners' bench at pistol point is a slight but colorful description of Ozark manners, with humor and charm for the sympathetic reader.

RETURN TO THE VINEYARD -- Mary Loos & Walter Duranty--Doubleday, Doran ($2.50). Scenarist Loos and Reporter Duranty speculate on what happens when the surviving citizens of a Nazi-ruined village go back to it after the war. The citizens of Vineyard, a winegrowing village, live in caves, work hard to restore the blighted grape vines, manage to start a new life despite terrific obstacles. Young Anna's mind is cleared by her love of Joseph, Leah's viciousness subsides when her German lover is allowed to enter the community. Hollywood will not have to revise the ending.

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