Set in the aftermath of the First World War, it is the story of two orphaned children, a girl in the non-existent care of grim relations, and a boy who lives on a narrow boat. In a joint adventure to find people they have lost, the pair sail the barge across the Channel, demonstrating hopefulness and courage. On the side of kindness and love, with compassionate characters (and dogs) who steal your heart, and crafted with elegant succinctness, this has been one of the most compelling, joyous, tearjerking and delightful reads of the year, and one of my top books to read aloud.
