In 1915, a few days after Germany torpedoed the Lusitania, Alfie Wheatcroft hears the sound of a crying child while fishing with his father. The two discover a sickly 12-year-old girl and bring her to their home on England’s Bryher Island. There, Alfie and his parents nurse the young girl back to health. Lucy—named after one of the few words she utters—remains a mystery: She refuses to talk and carries around a German monogrammed blanket. Assuming the worst, the townsfolk ostracize the Wheatcrofts for harboring an enemy. Only time will tell whether or not Lucy will share the real story behind her identity, as well as the unexpected act of kindness she received in the midst of war.
Acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo pens a spellbinding story within a story. Set prior to America’s involvement in World War I, Listen to the Moon is nothing short of extraordinary, a masterfully woven tale of history, the negative aspects of war and a subtle yet persistent message that love prevails. Morpurgo closes with background historical information, the perfect endnote to this outstanding piece of literature.
This article was originally published in the November 2015 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.
