The Landing

by John Ibbitson

Will Ben ever escape the Landing? The hardscrabble farm on the shores of Lake Muskoka can't generate a living, so Ben's Uncle Henry sells goods and gas to cottagers from the dock known as Cooks Landing. It had never been much of a living and since the Depression hit, it's even less. Ben's thinking a lot these days, and it's making him miserable. He's thinking about how unfair it is that his uncle only cares about work. He's thinking about what he really wants to do: play the violin. These days, he's lucky to snatch the odd bit of practice between chores, playing to the chickens in the henhouse. A new job fixing up the grand old cottage on nearby Pine Island seems at first to be just one more thing to keep Ben away from his violin. After he meets the island's owner, Ben changes his mind. Ruth Chapman is a cultured and wealthy woman from New York who introduces Ben to an unfamiliar, liberating world. After Ben plays violin for Ruth and her admiring friends, it only makes him more desperate to flee. Then, during a stormy night on Lake Muskoka, everything changes.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Canada, Fiction, Music, Historical, Teen

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

John Ibbitson (born 1955 in Gravenhurst, Ontario) is a Canadian writer and journalist. He is currently Ottawa Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail. He has written three books on Ontario and Canadian politics - Promised Land: Inside the Mike Harris Revolution (1997), Loyal No More: Ontario's Struggle for a Separate Destiny, and The Polite Revolution: Perfecting the Canadian Dream (McClelland & Stewart, 2005).

His latest young-adult novel, "The Landing," was winner of the 2008 Governor General's Award for children's literature. His latest political work, "Open & Shut: Why America Has Barack Obama and Canada Has Stephen Harper" was published in May 2009. It was written while he was in Washington, covering American politics and society for the Globe.

He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1979 with a B.A. in English. After university, he pursued a career as a playwright, his most notable play being Mayonnaise, which debuted in December 1980 at the Phoenix Theater in Toronto. The play went on to national production and was adapted to a TV broadcast in 1983. In the mid-1980s, Ibbitson switched over to writing young-adult fiction, including the short YA science-fiction novel, Starcrosser (1990). He also wrote two full-length novels, 1812: Jeremy's War and The Night Hazel Came to Town. "The Landing" followed in 2008.

Apart from his Governor-General's citation, Ibbitson has been nominated for several awards for other works, including a Governor General's Award nomination for 1812. Hazel received a nomination for the Trillium Book Award and the City of Toronto Book Award. His journalism has also been nominated for a National Newspaper Award.

Ibbitson entered the University of Western Ontario in 1987, graduating with an M.A. in journalism one year later, and joined the Ottawa Citizen, where he worked as a city reporter and columnist. He covered Ontario politics from 1995 to 2001, working for The Ottawa Citizen, Southam News, The National Post and the Globe and Mail. In August 2001, Ibbitson accepted the post as Washington bureau chief at The Globe and Mail, returning to Canada one year later to take up the post of political affairs columnist. He moved back to Washington as a columnist in May 2007, returning to Ottawa in September 2009.

Reviews

[Gabriele Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely evocation of an era and of life in the legendary lake district of Muskoka. It illustrates the sharp contrast between the residents trying to eke out a living and the wealthy who idle away summers there. Beautiful as his surrounding are, young Ben want more than the prospect of spending his life working a marginal lakeside farm and catering to the rich cottagers. Working for socialite Ruth Chapman, he finds himself on the edge of an exciting world that he wants to belong to, and feels that he does - for one heady night. At times poignant and lyrical, this is a thoughtful coming-of-age story.

[Karlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben feels doomed to a life on a Canadian island with his mother and uncle after his father's death. When a wealthy summer vacationer notes his talent as a fiddler, he begins to hope for a different life.

[PeachyTO · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing about The Landing that caught my attention was its pricing. This is the only book that I’ve noticed costs the same in US dollars as it does in Canadian. Whether this is due to my not paying enough attention to the pricing of previous reads, or if this is just something obscure, I don’t know, but it was definitely cause for surprise.

My introduction to this young-adult novel was through The Toronto Star, announcing that it had won the 2008 Governor General's Award for children's literature. I was often reminded about it at work, as it was included on one of our showcase tables for some months, but I hadn’t had the occasion to hear any personal reviews for it. None the less, as I am a fan of all things Canadian, I put a hold on it at the library, and picked it up.

The first quarter of the book, I must admit, was a slow burn, and I found myself wondering how it could possibly keep a teenager interested, if I was struggling. As it continued I started to become a victim of its charms, and grew fond of the young Ben and his determination towards learning the violin. As I often do, I played all of the referenced music on my computer whilst reading the passages, to try and obtain the true essence of the character's situation. This proved to be helpful in absorbing the tone of various scenes, and I would recommend other readers do the same if they have that option.

Set in the years following the depression, Ibbitson descriptively illustrates the hardships associated with those harsh times. The relationship that Ben forges with a neighbouring socialite is both painful and inspiring, as he dreams of one day leaving The Landing in Muskoka. As is often the case with growing up in a rural area, he is torn between his obligation to his struggling family and pursuing his dreams. The last few chapters will have you on the edge of your seat, as the novel takes an unexpected turn at its climax. Slow start and all, I am hopeful that Ibbitson will have a vision for a sequel.

[Lance Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend the Landing although not the ideal book about adventure or excitement it’s a good book for relaxing. I liked the book mainly because of it’s setting. It’s passed in early twentieth century in America, the main character Ben lives in a island house with his mom and his uncle Henry. His uncle Henry is a mechanic and welder that repairs boats to help people on the islands. His father passed away and was a carpenter, Ben’s mother wants him to pick up the same trade and become a carpenter but he isn’t all that good with a hammer and wants to become a violinist. Ben has a deep passion for the violin although he is not all that great with one he pursues his dreams and continues to play. The story is about his live and his dream of becoming a violinist, it’s a very nice book and I would give it a 10/10. I hope that you check it out and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

[Olivia Cowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “The Landing” we get to experience a well thought out book with stunning details. I could tell just from reading this book that John Ibbitson is a very well established writer. The story was amazing, it showed a accurate description life after the Great Depression.
I would say this is a coming of age book because throughout the story Ben is trying to find his way in life, whether it’s through violin or working on and old cottage house owned by Ms. Ruth Chapman, a rich socialite, who is staying for the summer in Muskoka. Until one day when she leaves, and he is given the name of a talented violinist. He has to decide whether to stay in his home town, or to go to New York and leave his mother and groggy uncle behind.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little like watching a favourite movie and being struck by how much slower it seems in current times. The pace of The Landing definitely reminded you that it was written ten years ago, but a good coming-of-age story set in Depression-era Muskoka. The setting is almost a character in the novel and that, along with the atmosphere, was one of the aspects I enjoyed most. Ben’s struggle to decide between his dreams and his responsibilities is probably relatable to most people.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the authentic feel of life in the Muskokas in the depression era. The main character's conflict between loyalty to his family and loyalty to his own dreams and possibilities is universal and relatable to people of all ages and in all ages.

[Laura Beaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 15-year-old boy, growing up in Muskoka during the Depression, chafes under his uncle's arbitrary rule and the lack of opportunities in the rural community.

[Canadian Children's Book Centre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Mercer has grown up on Ontario’s Muskoka lakes and is at home on and in the water, but his true element is music. In the ‘Prelude’ to The Landing, we meet a small boy at the Gravenhurst Opera House glorying in his first classical concert. High on his father’s shoulders, Ben reaches toward the conductor, to a world of music in which he wants “to drown.” But when the first chapter opens, Ben, now 15, is living with his mother and embittered uncle at Cook’s Landing, where descendants of Muskoka pioneers earn a pinched living during the Depression catering to the needs of wealthy cottagers. One such cottager changes Ben’s life. From New York – and a world of famous writers – arrives an independent widow who entertains Great Gatsby-style. The Muskoka steamer unloads supplies, furniture and a piano! To a small-town boy, the jars of olives are as foreign as the cases of gin, but Ben soon learns to mix a martini almost as well as he learns to repair the dock and the cottage. As he listens to Sibelius concertos on the cottage’s wind-up Victrola, Ben knows that he will have to leave the Landing (and his practice sessions in the toolshed) if he is ever to realize his dream of playing the violin. As his mother suggests, something might happen. The novel holds out both a threat and a promise of what that might be – and ends with both a crescendo and a haunting chaconne. If, like me, you didn’t recognize that last term, do read The Landing. John Ibbitson’s writing, spare and powerful throughout, soars when he captures the power of music. But you don’t need to speak the language of music to savour this story of longing, belonging, courage, conflicted loyalties and dreams. Ibbitson, a Globe and Mail columnist known for his YA historical novel Jeremy’s War 1812, has always wanted to write a novel faithful to the place he grew up. He has succeeded admirably, but he has also created a character to care about. Although the cover may not immediately appeal, this would be an excellent novel to recommend to middle and high school readers.

Reviewed by Brenda Halliday in Canadian Children's Book News
Fall 2008 VOL.31 NO.4

[Lindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a row that I've read that features a person obsessed by a musical instrument from a very early age. In this one, it is teenaged Ben with his fiddle. It's a quiet story set in northern Ontario in 1934. Ben Mercer feels like he is trapped by his life on a farm with his mother and curmudgeonly uncle Henry. "Henry never smiled, never had a good word. Henry and Ben were pretty much at war now, the two of them, though they rarely spoke and never raised their voices. The war was fought in the silences."

The Muskoka cottagers who own most of the property nearby seem to come from another world entirely. Ben gets summer work fixing up a nearby cottage for a rich widow from New York and suddenly the doors of possibility swing open... but dreams are a far cry from reality.

Readalikes: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire; Mistik Lake by Martha Brooks; A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.

[Mariah Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Landing has 4 main characters. One of the main characters is Ben. Ben is a boy who loves music. Ben has a mother that is the type that wants Ben to show a good impression wherever he goes. Then there's Henry, Henry is Ben's uncle who isn't always cheerful. He's always upset because of his injured knee. A while ago Henry was in an accident that hurt his knee pretty bad. So, he limps around and listens to whatever Ben's mother says. Last but not least, there's Ruth. Ruth is Ben's next door neighbor who's pretty rich. She has been paying Ben and Henry 3 dollars a day to fix up her house. They accepted to fix the house because they weren't really rich themselves. Ruth and Ben became good friends, but i'm going to leave everything else for you to read! I would give this book four stars because it's interesting and The Landing has a love for music.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Mercer is stuck on Cook's Landing, and worst of all he has a pretty good idea what his future holds for him: selling goods and gasoline to cottagers and fixing their boats-just like his Uncle Henry. But when Ruth Chapman moves to the nearby island, Ben sees himself somewhere else. With Ruth's wonderful stories about New York City and music, Ben is determined to follow his dream of playing the violin-but will he really have the chance to make that decision at all?
________________________________________________________
The Landing was quick, but inspiring read; and partially based on a true story. I'll give it four stars for a good encouragement about playing the violin or any instrument for that matter.

[Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muskoka during the Depression is not the best place to be. The farms have never been worth much and the burgeoning tourist business has dried up with the stock market crash.

Fifteen year old Ben spends the summer working for one of the few cottagers to come up that summer. She nutures his love for music and strengthens his need to leave.
This is a beautifuly written book. The time frame is ideal - the days when the "cottagers" took a train up then caught a steamer to their cottage is just ending, the farms are disappearing but the influx of hundreds and thousands of people to "Cottage country" has not yet started.
I especially liked all the details. The steamers, how to built a stone staircase, the oiling of wood floors.It was carefully researched and lovingly recreated.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I have met the author, I didn't really like this book. The plot was slow and wasn't really about conflict...it was kinda just a list of things that happen to Ben. I prefer books with antagonists, or at least tough choices, and this didn't really have that. I also didn't like that in the end Ben leaves Muskoka. Muskoka is my favourite place in the world, and I hate that Ben felt like he had to "escape" from it. Disappointing to see such a wonderful place portrayed as somewhere to "get away from."

[Cornmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will probably have a limited audience, but I liked it. The 15 year old in the story will seem very foreign to today's teens, but his innocence is pretty typical of Depression era mores. I absolutely loved Ibbitson's description of music capturing the boy's heart - it's an amazing few paragraphs.

The feeling of being trapped in a life one does not want was well done, and the book makes a good case for how life's strange circumstances lead you to interesting things.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw (and heard) the author at the Eden Mills Writer's festival, and really wanted to love this book. It was written for a teen audience, and viewed in that light it was good enough. It was a pretty good length (I would have put it down if it had been much longer), but funny enough, I thought that he could have stretched out the end a little bit. The rest of the novel had just enough detail, but I think that the end could have done with a little bit more.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction where I learn something and where I care about the characters. I enjoyed the writing and research that went into this book. Ibbotson knows how to deliver, and this Canadian story was partially based on his childhood and family lore. Good reading (although I wish the ending had been more developed).

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

great choice for the GG award.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A low-key story with a slam-bang ending. Wonderfully evokes a time and place (which is doubtless why it is garnering awards and accolades).

[Wendy]

I want to read this just because it takes place in the same place as The Blue Castle, ten or twenty years later.

[Elvina Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read about the place I grew up in. John captured the feeling of growing up in Muskoka in the depression and how many of the young people then must have felt.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Good historical detail.

[Varshini · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read it for my grade 9 ISU. It was okay at times... I don't know what I expected from the novel but regardless I was let down. Nothing about the book engaged me as the reader.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family cottage country where the Segwun still travels the lakes and we look up when she toots her whistle and cruises majestically by. Easy, quick read and thankful it doesn't turn out as expected.