A Village Stradivarius

"A Village Stradivarius" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a tale set around the turn of the 20th century, exploring the potency of music, the spark of artistry, and the hidden depths within us all. It centers on Anthony Croft, a blind violin maker, and Lyddy Butterfield, a woman marked by her past, as they find their way through the rhythms of life in a quaint village, discovering the surprising strength of love and companionship. Anthony, despite his blindness, is blessed with a unique gift for music and a deep well of emotion. He exists as a figure of misunderstood brilliance, finding comfort and meaning through his artistic craft. Lyddy, who has spent much of her life in the shadows because of personal hardships, unexpectedly becomes a haven of support and happiness for both Anthony and his young nephew, Davy. Their growing connection challenges their fears and the community's prejudices, leading them toward a shared sense of destiny. As Lyddy provides Anthony with assistance and encouragement, their relationship blossoms into a deep and meaningful love that overlooks the superficial, expressed through the metaphor of music and the violin, representing their woven destinies.