The narrative is a work of fiction, but the artist's observations of canalside life are absolutely right. The gorgeous watercolors capture that landscape as I've seen it--makes me want to go back and walk the towpaths again, which is the closest I've come to narrowboat living so far. Great for people curious about the canals, about the juxtaposition of the old and the modern in Britain, for travelers looking for inspiration off the beaten path. On a few pages the handwritten text can be a bit tough to read on a darker background, but that doesn't diminish the overall charm & craftsmanship.