Set in the Maine city of Waterville in the mid-1950s, the story is told by a teenage Lebanese girl who flees trouble at home in the midst of a hurricane and finds refuge in a tiny house at Head of Falls, owned by an old man she calls Mr. M. Surprised to find he has a piano, she is delighted when he offers to teach her how to play. Although she has no piano on which to practice, Mr. M contrives an ingenious substitute, and she soon discovers her special gift for music. In a voice both humorous and poignant, Angela tells of teenage wonders of the 50s, but her own life is filled with strife. Through it all, she finds joy in making music and courage in the company of her cheeky friend, Margaux.