Incident at Badamya

Gilman's new suspense novel has a heroine no less endearing than her perdurable ``Mrs. Pollifax.'' The time is 1950, the place a Burmese village where Genevieve Ferris is orphaned at age 16. Taking the first step toward returning to her native America, Gen meets Neil Hamlin, an undercover agent from the U.S. sought by Communist soldiers. Gen and Neil become partners, slipping through the jungle, trying to reach the river boat headed for Rangoon, but the girl is alone when she's grabbed by troops under General Wang. Wang's prisoners include a motley group of men and women, all with secrets they gradually disclose to each other during the long days of captivity. Among them is Ba Sein, a puppet master whose gentle leadership helps determine the outcome of riveting events. At the conclusion, one feels the full effects of a story which is both magical and convincing. (Apr.)