A lonely 7 year old boy Toseland 'Tolly' goes to live with his great grandmother in an old house during the holidays from boarding school. And is introduced to a whole new world.

I found this book charming and enchanting the language was beautifully descriptive – "Outside, the rising moon was hidden from the earthly mist and trees, but high-sailing clouds caught its light and with their silver-gilt brightness reflected a glimmer through the stable windows".

But it doesn't sugar coat or shy away from talking about the harsh realities of life in discussing the shocking impact of the Black Plague and war and its consequences.

There is an underlying sadness that pervades through the book in the character of Tolly who is very lonely when he receives a letter from his absent father he isn't excited by its arrival but disposes of it as he has become use to the lack of contact. His great grandmother is filling the hole in his life and its lovely to see their relationship grow – "He was in high spirits and had more grins than he knew what to do with". He explores the house and grounds and becomes aware of laughter and children's voices could there be other children living in the house?

It’s a short book but packs a lot into its few pages very nostalgic of a simpler time when a small gift given at Christmas bought great pleasure in stark contrast to the consumer led lifestyle of today.

Highly recommend.