A sweet memoir of holidays, family, friends and adventures at a Canadian lake - Chemong Lake, north of Toronto - during the 1950s. Not a lot of conflict or excitement, but instead this book is nostalgic and philosophical.

Some interesting characters, notably narrator Bruce's Uncle Reub, who always has a story to suit the situation.

Elements of life on the lake are described in loving detail. The wildlife, the cottages, the environment, the fellow summer residents, the locals, and the original occupants.

In a way, it is the story of every childhood summer holiday. Games of Monopoly, fishing, exploring, medical emergencies, storms, visitors, the experiences of growing older, and the poignancy of saying goodbye as the days become shorter and the return to school and suburban life brings the idyll to an end.

A step away from my usual fiction fare of thrillers and mysteries.

Fun and enjoyable. A few drawn out story arcs resolved (or not) over the course of the summer, just enough to keep me reading to see how they turned out.

Four stars because although there's not a lot of action or substance, the gentle philosophical messages called to me.