In this series of books about characters both past and present, as well as a wonderful 12th Century house full of secrets, nine year old Tolly learns the history of the house from his story-telling great-grandmother. In this, the second novel in the series, Tolly hears about a vivid set of 18th Century characters who lived in the house, one of whom, Susan, is blind. He meets her and her black companion Jacob and shares in their adventures. Is this a time-slip novel, or is it Tolly's and his great-grandmother's active imaginations that make the stories come true? Even Tolly doesn't seem sure. No matter. Great stories they are, and we see Susan grow from an over-protected child to one who learns to take chances and do her own thing, thanks to the wily Jacob. Rather than characterisation of Susan, it is how she lives her life through feel and sound, all vividly described, that makes her growth so real. Children with sight problems will revel in sharing Susan's adventures. A truly remarkable book.