A part autobiographical account of one year in the life of the youngest in a family of six children, growing up in a shabby 1960's guest house with competitive siblings, an interfering Victorian paternal grandmother, and ""sickly"" parents. Seen through the eyes of an innocent and naive nine year old girl who views family and the eccentric residents with humour and sensitivity. Within the confines of the guest house, she suffers some alarming, life changing experiences. This one year of her young life is told with warmth and pathos.