Review: Listening for Lucca

Author: Suzanne LaFleur
My Edition: Puffin Hardback (early copy)
Releases: 8th August 2013
Series: n/a
Pages: 229 approx.
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website | Buy the book!

'We're moving to your house - the one from your dream.'

Siena sees what isn't there, collects what's left behind.

'Lucca led me to his room, and then just stood in the middle, waiting for me to notice something.'

Her brother Lucca hasn't spoken for over a year.

The doctors think he needs a fresh start, that's why her family left Brooklyn. But their new home feels hauntingly familiar - and when Siena finds an old pen, the story she writes is not her own...

Can the secrets of the past help Siena break her brother's silence?

When I opened this book, I didn't quite know what to expect. I'd never heard of anything like it and all I was hoping for was that it'd turn out as unusual as the synopsis suggested. And it did. Apart from providing me with a unique story, it introduced me to a number of likeable characters and, afterward, left a ghost of a smile on my lips.

Since I'd been reading quite heavy, complex books beforehand, Listening for Lucca was a much-needed break away from it all. It was really quite refreshing. It didn't require too much concentration to get into the story and, once you were in, you couldn't help but turn page after page after page. If anything I'd say this story is targeted more toward a younger audience. I hadn't realised this until I was just about to start the book but it's recommended for 9+. However, I could still appreciate the story. I do think it true that a younger me would have enjoyed the story more though.

The main character, 13-year-old Siena, is truly an extremely likeable character. She's very selfless and always looking out for her brother. Though she blames herself for Lucca's inability to speak, you can tell she does everything to make it up to him - though she really isn't to blame! Lucca, himself, was a really adorable character and I was constantly waiting for him to say something. Sam was also a nice addition to the story. The only character I truly hated was Jezzie. She was manipulative, selfish and just plain nasty!

Overall, Listening for Lucca was a great story to cuddle up with on a rainy day. I easily managed to get caught up in Siena and Lucca's world and it ended up being a really cute read. Siena was an admirable character and Lucca was a wee cutie. I would definitely say that younger readers would enjoy this book more though. The writing style isn't complex or confusing and the romance is only very lightly brushed upon - it is virtually non-existent. I'm still glad I read this story though, it was refreshing and different.

THREE AND A HALF/FOUR STARS FOR LISTENING FOR LUCCA!

Huge thanks go out to Penguin for sending me a review copy of this book!

 

Happy Reading,

Rachel xoxo