Fifteen-year-old Ben longs to play the violin instead of working alongside his Uncle Henry, scraping a living from selling gasoline and doing odd jobs for “cottagers” on Lake Muskoka. There is no money in Ben’s Depression strapped world for violin lessons. When a wealthy widow hires him to repair her home, then encourages his interest in music, Ben struggles with this newfound opportunity. The resolution is sudden when a freak squall sinks his uncle’s boat, and Ben is unable to save him. Ben and his mother leave the Landing, resolved to do what it takes for Ben to study music. 2009 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2008 Governor General’s Liter ary Award–Canada. sc