Listening for Lucca

Suzanne Lafleur, author of Listening for Lucca, brings readers into a magical world where there is more to life than teenage drama. Siena isn’t sure what she calls her “special intuition”. She is able to feel, hear, and see things that other people cannot. At first, she assumes her imagination is taking her for an adventure when she catches herself remembering vivid dreams. In her most recent dream, she sees this beautiful house, right off the lake in Maine. There is a calm breeze, a relaxing atmosphere, and a family who occupies the house. This family seems strangely similar to Siena’s, but she cannot figure out why.

During the summer, Siena’s family announces they are leaving Brooklyn and will be moving to Maine. Her parents have had enough of the city and her little brother, Lucca, may benefit from the outdoors and simple, country life. Lucca is four years old and does not speak. He used to speak, but something has happened, and now he refuses to whisper a syllable. Siena’s parents believe that Brooklyn is too busy and loud for their family, and perhaps the relaxing outdoors will bring Lucca to speak again.

As Siena’s family is driving up to their new home in Maine, Siena starts to realize that the home looks extremely familiar. Two stories, wrap around porch, right off the lake…then suddenly it dawns on Siena. This is the exact same home from her dream! As her family is settling into the home, Siena finds an old pen. She takes a break from unpacking and begins to write with the pen. Suddenly, this vivid story enters Siena’s mind and she begins writing a story about a girl…almost as if she is living inside of her.

Listening for Lucca takes readers on a magical journey of self discovery. Siena begins to learn that her vivid dreams, storytelling, and thoughts are much more than she expected. Why was her family brought to this house? How is this old pen allowing Siena to think, speak, and act like another girl from another time? Will Lucca ever begin speaking again?

Along with these deep questions, Siena also experiences the troubles and discomfort of moving to a new town, making friends, and finding her place in the community. Readers who enjoy magical realism, adventure, and suspense will love reading Listening For Lucca.

• Posted by Jacquie