This is a very descriptive book that makes you feel that you are there with the characters. The early twentieth century English village is brought to life with gossiping ladies, strict schoolmaster, lady of the manor, country gardens etc. For the first third I did wonder where the story was going to go, what was the fascination about a mute boy suddenly singing, but then the story takes you back to the 1930s and 1910s and the author allows you to put the story together yourself, which I found very satisfying! I particularly liked the WW1 part, Geoffrey's letter in particular will break your heart! This is a read to savour and I can see it as a beautiful Sunday night BBC drama.