"John Nichols has remarkable insight into life's crazy blend of comedy and tragedy. . . . Pure pleasure to read." —New York Times Book Review

It's World War II, and young Wendall Oler has been sent to stay will his father's family in rural Stebbinsville, Vermont. Using this opportunity to act out his resentment for the death of his mother and his father's leaving to fight in the war he does all he can to tyrannize his new family. Yet, thrown into the warmth of this country family, Wendall finds his resolve softening.