A Village Stradivarius

"A Village Stradivarius" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1900s. The story focuses on the themes of music, artistry, and the inner lives of its characters, particularly highlighting the transformative power of love and creativity. The narrative primarily revolves around Anthony Croft, a blind violin maker, and his connection with Lyddy Butterfield, a woman with a scarred past, as they navigate their lives in a small village and discover their capacity for affection and companionship. The plot unfolds with Anthony Croft, who, despite his blindness, possesses extraordinary musical talent and depth of feeling. He is a misunderstood artist who finds solace and purpose in music. Lyddy Butterfield, having lived much of her life in isolation due to her own traumatic experiences, becomes a source of strength and joy for Anthony and his young nephew, Davy. Through their developing relationship, both characters confront their insecurities and societal judgments, ultimately finding a shared purpose. As Lyddy helps Anthony with his daily struggles and lends him support, their bond deepens, culminating in a profound understanding of love that transcends physical appearances and societal expectations, beautifully depicted through the metaphor of music and the violin, a symbol of their intertwined lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Kate Douglas Wiggin was an American educator, author and composer. She wrote children's stories, most notably the classic children's novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and composed collections of children's songs. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878. With her sister during the 1880s, she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Kate Wiggin devoted her adult life to the welfare of children in an era when children were commonly thought of as cheap labor.