The Winter Gift by Deborah Turney Zagwÿn (2000) is about a piano passed down from grandmother to grandchild. I love books about generations sharing time, space, and memories. Clee is the narrator. They recall Christmas at Gramma's home, complete with a decorated tree, cooking smells, lots of company, and music. When Gramma moves to an apartment, the piano stays behind. Clee, sibling, and Gramma show the piano to a gentleman interested in buying it. He complains about the chipped ivory keys and scratch on one side. He doubts it will hold a tune because it's so old. The contrast between this potential buyer and the emotional attachment of gramma and her grandchildren is glaring. Gramma responds by sitting down to play. "Gramma's music circled in that room. It filled all the empty corners. It tied Simon to Clee and Clee to Gramma and Gramma to her past with a ribbon of sound." Gramma stands up and tells the gentleman that the piano is not for sale.
