As with all Leonard Wibberley stories, this one packs a lot of charm. It is the fictional story of Thomas Soli, an orphan, who is apprenticed to Guarneri del Gesu, a violin maker in 18th century Cremona, Italy. Guarneri is not well known, but his violins today excel those of Stradivarius in tone and richness, and equal those in value. While little is really known about the life of Guarneri, Wibberley tries his best to flesh out his story within those few facts which are known about him today. A good story for anyone interested in music, especially in string music. ( )