Listen to the Moon

by Michael Morpurgo

Alfie lives off the coast of England. Merry lives in New York City. Until Merry and her mother set sail on the Lusitania for England, where Merry's father is recuperating from a war injury. People told them not to go, hearing rumors that the Lusitania might be carrying munitions. But they are desperate to be reunited with Merry's father.

Alfie and his father find a lost girl in an abandoned house on a small island. The girl doesn't speak, except to say what sounds like "Lucy." Alfie's mother nurses her back to health. The others in the village suspect the Lucy is actually German-an enemy-because she's found with a blanket with a German tag.

Told from Alfie and Merry's points of view, this exquisite novel tells of friends, enemies, and unexpected kindnesses.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Middle Grade, War, Childrens

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Sir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.

Reviews

[Sarah Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
I enjoyed this book so much!
I didn't expect to be liking this. I donno, the cover wasn't all that enthralling. (I know i shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but I did and I'm sorry!) But due to this book being a present I started reading this, and boy I was totally living in this story from page 1! It's beautiful writing and good described characters made me want to lock myself in my room and just read read read. Every charakter in this book has a real soul and heart. Their own way of being. And I nearly forgot to mention that this author made a wonderful job in turning his grandmother's story into fiction. It wasn't at all like reading a biography, but like a beautiful beautiful dream you'd want to live in forever!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book a few years ago, I started it and I enjoyed it, but for some reason, I could never bring myself to pick it back up again. Looking back now I most certainly regret it. This time I did, however, and I am so happy I did! I loved it! I am a big fan of Michael Morpurgo writing and books. He never fails to disappoint when it comes to writing a best seller. I am so excited to pick up more of his work. This book was worth every minute I spent readning it, and as you can see, it certainly didn't take me that long!

I recommend this book to everyone. Please buy yourself a copy. In my opinon, you won't regret it. :)

[Mehreen Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Michael Morpurgo book and I thought, where has this author been all my life?! This review might turn out to be more about the author than this particular book. Before I move on to talk about Michael Morpurgo, let me just say, I loved this book. “Magical” storytelling, with vivid landscapes and animals and the backdrop of World War 1. The characters are ordinary people who turn out to do extraordinary things for love and friendship. I especially liked how the author brings out human traits such as cruelty and hatred among the islanders when circumstances change in the face of war. It reminded me of the Indo Pak partition when friends and neighbours turned against each other and even came down to slaughtering one another. War brings out the worst in us. But it also reveals true heroes; people who help others even if they belong to the enemy side; people who stand by the ostracised and misunderstood. This book is about the kindness in people’s hearts. It is a story about a little girl who turns up mysteriously on an island and what happens in the following months while she is unable to talk or remember anything about herself.

I liked the book so much that I went online to research the author. He has written around 130 books! He is has been knighted and also been Children’s Laureate from 2003-2005. He is an English children’s story writer, although adults love his books just the same. His most popular work is War Horse, which has been adapted into a movie and a long running play at all major theatres in London and New York. I noticed that he keeps war as the background in many of his books, just as he includes animals. Animals are either the main character or at the least get a lot of focus in the plot, which I am sure children just love.

In fact, 40 years ago, Michael Morpurgo and his wife started a charity called Farms for City Children. I absolutely love this project. “They aim to expand the horizons of children from towns and cities all over the country by offering them a week in the countryside living together on one of their farms. children are involved in everything necessary to keep the farms going. They learn hands-on where their food comes from, the importance of caring for animals and the land, and the value of working co-operatively as a team. The rewards are, unusually, non-material and self-generated: children discover an active enjoyment in life and a sense of achievement...” In today’s day and age, city children are deprived of nature, outdoor activities and pets. The simple joys of a rustic life, fresh air and food, ample space to play with other children and animals, is rare to find. It’s such a worthy and unique contribution to society. I am tempted to write to them and ask if adults are allowed to join!

I am looking forward to reading many more of Michael Morpurgo’s books. The covers are beautiful, often with images of animals and children. And of course, war stories are rich with history. From Listen To The Moon, I discovered that the language is simple, attracting readers of all ages, and the stories are told beautifully. The characters and atmospheric settings are inter woven around the plots with just the right amount of significance. There is never a dull chapter.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Morpurgo often uses stories taken from tales he hears around him, from people he meets, from history. His latest is a combination, a story ostensibly based on his own grandmother's history and a story at the heart of the First World War.

A girl is found by chance on an uninhabited Scilly Island by a fisherman and his son. The girl is injured, half staved and ill, cannot speak and doesn't seem able to account for her being there.

Alfie and his family take her in and care for the girl they come to call Lucy. Her slow recovery is movingly documented, her first days at school and the revelation that she may in fact be German, in 1915. The islanders feelings are also documented through her doctors' notes. And finally, Lucy's history is revealed.

As ever with Morpurgo, the writing is captivating. You want to read a little more to find out a little more. Alfie's point of view and the doctor's tell the story well, with Lucy eventually getting a voice as well, and flashbacks from the start indicating a history the angry islanders can't imagine, that make you want to tell at them. But anti-German feeling then, patriotic fervour were the norm, and the treatment of Lucy will be shocking but eye-opening for young readers. The book itself gives some background to wartime life.

At heart though it's a family tale. Lucy finds a loving family when hers is lost to her. They remain loyal despite local prejudice and her silence. Morpurgo has a way with him in portraying loving relationships and you come to admire the Wheatcrofts very much.

Lucy's story is incredibly sad and upsetting. There are other victims of war whose stories are sadder but background - the young solider returned minus a leg and with brain damage for example. And Alfie's uncle Billy, rescued bun his mum from a horrific mental asylum. Plenty to discuss with a child or a class.

It's tragic throughout yet still beautifully uplifting. As the author usually manages.

One to make sure you talk about with your young readers. Many things they'll want to know more about and understand.

At 400 pages it's one of his longest but the story flows from past to present and school to home regularly enough to maintain interest and isn't anything less than engrossing.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's May 1915 and World War I is in full swing. On the Scilly Island of Bryher, Alfie Wheatcroft has just played hooky to go fishing with his dad. One their way home with their catch, Alfie hears a moaning sound coming from the deserted St. Helen's island. Checking it out, he and his dad discover a scared, starving, shivering young girl clutching a bedraggled teddy bear and wrapped in a blanket with the name Wilhelm embroidered on it.

They decide to take her home for Alfie's mother, Mary Wheatcroft, to nurse back to health. The girl keep saying Lucy over and over, and when Dr. Crow is called to examine her, it's decided that Lucy must be her name. Soon she is known all over the island as Lucy Lost. At first, Lucy refuses to speak and eat, but gradually does take some of the food given her. She also refuses to leave the room she is put into. One day, the doctor suggests using music to see if that will help her, bringing over his gramophone and records. Lucy is drawn to the music, particularly one piece by Mozart, and while the music gets Lucy out of her room, she still doesn't speak.

Flashback to New York City in March 1915. Merry McIntyre and her mother have been missing her Canadiann father ever since he enlisted and left for the war in Europe. When they receive a letter saying he has been wounded and is in an English hospital, Mrs. McIntyre decides they will sail to England on the S.S. Lusitania in May despite the danger of German submarines prowling the Atlantic Ocean. It proves to be a voyage that confines Mrs. McIntyre to the bed with seasickness, while Merry takes the opportunity to get to know the ship and their cabin steward Brandon very well.

Forward flash again to Bryher. Thanks to the music and Alfie's patience and kindness, Lucy begins to get better daily. But when school begins again at the end of summer, the teacher, Mr. Beagley, a particularly cruel person, decides Lucy must attend or be reported to the authorities. And eventually, when word gets out about the German blanket Lucy was found with, the island people turn on her and the Wheatcrofts, believing the are on the side of the Germans and shunning them to the point that life becomes difficult. When someone paints "Remember the Lusitania" on the Wheatcrofts door, and Mary sees recognition in Lucy's eyes, even this kind, stalwart woman begins to wonder about her.

Astute readers will early on realize the Lucy and Merry McIntyre is the same person, but solving the mystery of her identity is not what is at the heart of this story. What is at the heart is a wonderful story about home front life and survival during WWI, about love, hate and unusual kindnesses, and about what family really means.

Listen to the Moon is a rich multi-layered novel based on a confluence of actual events, framed by an unnamed future narrator (not future to the reader, however). The story within the frame is told alternately in the third person from Alfie and Merry/Lucy's perspectives, with additional information from Dr. Crow's journal and Mr. Beagley's school log, all making this a very well-developed, thoroughly intense story.

There is so much history in the novel, so be sure to read the background information to Listen to the Moon for more understanding, especially the part about the S.S. Schiller and why Germans were not allowed to attack the Isles of Scilly in WWI. The background material is every bit as compelling as Morpurgo's novel.

The Guardian has an interesting pictorial article on how the Lusitania inspired Listen to the Moon HERE

You can find very useful Teacher Resources on Michael Morpurgo's website HERE

This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an EARC received from NetGalley

This review was originally posted on The Children's War

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Listen to the Moon' is such an exquisite novel that poignantly illustrates the importance of friends and kindness in the face of war and opposition. I absolutely loved every bit of this book: the plot, characters, setting, writing style, and atmosphere. Even though it has a façade of simplicity, the plot actually gets quite deep and gripping. Its multilayered conflicts and beautifully crafted progression work in conjunction to produce a story that held my full interest and attention; every time I picked this book up I didn't want to leave its gripping plot! The characters are so well developed. Alfie and Lucy — I loved their characters; they were so wonderfully realistic and excellently developed. I admired Alfie's courageous and selfless actions when he alone defends Lucy from the evil acts of... I better not give anything away! Complementing all of the other elements of this this novel, Morpurgo's amazing writing style fills the story with smooth flow, vivid details, and realistic dialogue — all attributes of a talented storyteller. I was impressed once again by Morpurgo's ability to craft such a heartfelt story of community, trust, and endurance. I highly recommend this five-star novel!

📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 5/5)
Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 5/5
— 📝 Writing: 5/5
— 👥 Characters: 4.5/5
Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
•a few instances of God's
name being taken in vain
— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5
— 🛑 S*xual: 0/5

[Mari Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another beautifully written, moving MG novel that I fear will be wasted on all but the most sophisticated and discerning young reader. This story is constructed and executed in such a way that it will move adult readers to tears (well at least this adult reader) and quickly become a beloved favorite. An amazing historical fiction tale so heartwarming it did tread that thin line between sweet and saccharine but it did it with finesse.

Highly recommended to mature, sophisticated readers of historical fiction in grades 6 and up.

[Sidharth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very Interesting and very Inspirational book, full of adventures.This book will take you on a Journey to Germany During the WORLD WAR 1.While reading this book I imagined and felt the pain and Sufferings of those people who were about to die but somehow they survived and got a new life.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revision calls for comfort reading and this hits the spot just as hard as it did in year 6

[15paule · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! However, it was slightly confusing at times due to the change in location and time. Otherwise a really good read and gives a great insight into what people thought of the First World War!

[Jerry (Libri in pantofole) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://librinpantofole.blogspot.it/20...

La nonna ci ha reso quel che siamo, con un piccolo aiuto da parte del nonno, va detto. [...] E quindi, quel che segue l'ho scritto per loro, e anche perché è la storia più improbabile e incredibile che abbia mai sentito.
Ci sono libri che ci lasciano carichi di nostalgia, perché quando voltiamo l'ultima pagina sappiamo di dover abbandonare quei personaggi che ormai sentiamo amici, quella storia nella quale ci siamo addentrati e persi... Be', è quello che ho provato dopo aver chiuso Ascolta la luna questa storia improbabile e incredibile che mi ha incatenato il cuore.
Perché Morpurgo ha saputo dosare in maniera eccellente fiction e Storia (sì quella con la S maiuscola), perché ha riversato in un racconto tutto il suo universo narrativo, fatto di avventura mistero e sentimenti.

La storia di Lucy la Smarrita si svolge negli anni terribili della Prima guerra mondiale, gli anni degli incrociatori e dei sottomarini e il racconto si lega a doppio filo a un evento drammatico quale fu l'affondamento del Lusitania. Considerato il transatlantico più veloce e lussuoso dopo il Titanic, l'incidente del Lusitania scandalizzò l'Europa tutta e spinse inevitabilmente gli Stati Uniti a dichiarare guerra alla Germania... Chi è Lucy? Perché il suo passato, le è celato come un relitto in fondo al mare? Sono domande che piano piano trovano risposta nella narrazione incalzante e avvincente di Morpurgo, impetuosa come l'onda che frange sugli scogli.
Guerra, odio ma anche amore e amicizia sono questi i sentimenti che animano le pagine e muovono i personaggi di Ascolta la luna, personaggi che davvero mi hanno rapito il cuore a partire proprio da Lucy e Alfie che con la loro amicizia (e un aiutino anche da parte di Peg, il cavallo da tiro dell'isola) riusciranno a dissotterrare un passato che credevano perduto.
Poi ci sono Marymoo e Jimbo pronti a combattere contro ogni pregiudizio, il dottor Crow e il suo grammofono, zio Billy, che si crede un pirata, e Brendan che amava la sua grande nave.
Infine, la musica questo personaggio magnifico e delicato, in grado di risvegliare un animo addormentato: La porta sulle scale alle loro spalle si aprì. Lucy comparve sulla soglia, a piedi nudi. Era avvolta nella sua coperta, con in mano il suo orsetto. Attraversò la stanza, andando verso di loro, verso il grammofono. Per alcuni lunghi istanti, si limitò a fissarlo. «Pianoforte» bisbigliò, e poi di nuovo: «Pianoforte.»

Un romanzo per ragazzi che davvero tocca le corde del cuore, un mix di avventura, mistero e sentimenti. Devo dire che riguardo alla scrittura di Morpurgo ho sentito parlare di sentimentalismo, be' la sottoscritta si è davvero emozionata ma nel senso buono del termine! Un libro che consiglio caldamente, una tra le letture più belle degli ultimi tempi.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War I is raging. Many are affected by shortages and live with constant fear and tension. So it is for Alfie and his parents whom live on a small island off the coast of England. But life must go on. Alfie and his father are often seen out in the coastal waters making a living by fishing. One fine day as they fish near an uninhabited island, they hear crying. They discover a young, sick girl. After taking her home and nursing her back to health, she becomes a part of the family. As she is unable to speak, they know nothing of her past. Alfie adores the girl they have dubbed Lucy Lost. But some of the locals insist she must be a German spy.
Morpurgo masterfully brings to life the world of the World War I Scilly Isles. Readers will have a strong sense of place and characters as this historical novel describes the atmosphere of the times. With its alternating perspectives, Lucy’s tragic backstory is revealed to readers long before the characters know allowing readers to sympathetically hope for a positive conclusion. Vibrant description, captivating characters, and a tension-filled storyline make this title a gripping read.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well first of all can I just say that description of this book written on goodreads is wrong, but I know this is the correct book because it is the only one written by Michael morpurgo called listen to the moon. So here is what it is actually about.
There is a girl who is found on one of the small islands of Scilly( in England) by Jim and Alfie who heard her trying to call for help. When they rescue her they find she cannot speak. Is she English? Or more importantly, because it is WW1, is she German? What is her story? How did she end up on an island all alone?
I loved this book. It is told wonderfully by Michael Morpurgo and had me shedding of couple tears at one point. But the only reason I thought this was four stars not five was because I did find at times it was a little slow, but in the end it was worth it. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.

[Andrea Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

May, 1915. On an uninhabited island in the Scillies, Alfie and his father find an injured girl - alone, and with no memory of who she is or how she came to be there. Is she a mermaid, a ghost? Or could she even be, as some islanders suggest, a German spy...?

I was extremely lucky to win a preview copy of this book. I am a huge Michael Morpurgo fan and with each book find a new favourite. This book is amazing. Please note that the synopsis above does not belong to this book? This book has kept me intrigued from page 1 and is beautifully written.

[Práxedes Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is part of a reading incentive program for our Middle Schoolers, so I decided to check it out. I liked the fact that it was historic fiction for YAs and that it was easy to read. That is about it.

The novel drags on for too long waiting for the climax to unfold --which yielded no surprises. The writing was descriptive but not enough to bring the characters out of a two-dimensional state.

I appreciate Morpurgo's writing prowess and am willing to try another of his novels, but this one was far from pleasing.

[Juliette · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow but it eventually got better

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Слушай луну" - история о девочке, которую нашли в 1915 году на одном из английских островов. Так как единственное слово, что она смогла вымолвить - это "Люси", все так и стали её звать. Состояние здоровья было так себе, плюс она не разговаривала совсем, но отзывчивая английская семья подобрала её и стала ухаживать. Со временем, по разным причинам у многих закрались подозрения, что "Люси" может быть немкой, а так как на дворе стоял 1915-й, то ясное дело, никого этот факт не радовал...

Оказалась ли "Люси" немкой, звали ли её на самом деле так и что вообще это за девочка такая узнаете, если решитесь прочитать книгу ;-)

Мне книга понравилась. Это именно то самое о добром, чистом, светлом и трогательном, чего мне хотелось весь прошлый месяц и наконец-то я это нашла! Читается очень быстро, слог лёгкий (я так понимаю, что на изначально М. Морпурго писал для школьной аудитории), но без дешёвой простоты.

История одновременно и захватывает, и при этом даёт пищу для размышлений. Думаю, прочитав её ещё в школе, я бы была вообще в полном восторге (сейчас цинизм и скептицизм мешают).

Если вам тоже хочется лёгкости и света, но при этом не можете жить без интересного сюжета с небольшой головоломкой, то "Слушай луну" подойдёт идеально.

[KSena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a great book! Books like these really prove that books for youths can be quite amazing!

It follows a fisherman family on the Scilly islands outside Irland. When they find a girl on an abandond beach. She hurt, starving, but doesn’t talk and there’s no clue where she’s come from. And then we find out little by little where she’s from through backflashes, the family and the family doctor’s research, and the girls memories.

It’s REALLY well written and quite exciting! I really got into the story to, together with kiddo!

Kiddo is 9 years old, and just at the age where this book is OK to read. There’s quite a lot of difficult words scattered around the story, since it does take place during word war one. So we had to stop when there were words she didn’t understand. Some subjects where a bit difficult for her still, but we stopped and talked about it when it occured.

So it was a perfect book to read aloud, but it would definitely have been to complicated for her to read alone. You need to be a tad bit older than 9 years for that, although not to much I don’t think.

Michael Morpurgo really proved himself to me with this story, and with any luck we’ll read more off his stories in the future! (I know we will, since she’s already ordered me to borrow more…)

[Papi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книгата съм я чела отдавна. Разказва се да едно момиче, което оцелява след корабукрошение през първата световна война. Тя попада на един остров на който я откриват Алфи и баща му. Тя не помни нищо, но обича музиката, а още повече луната. Всяка вечер тя я наблюдава. Книгата бързо я прочетох беше ми много интересно да наблюдавам как Луси (истинското й име е Мери,но тя по късно ки го спомня) започва да си спомня ка�� е стигнала до тук и какво е преживяла.
В някой мигове дори имах чувството, че съм в книгата и преживявам всичко това. Войната е наистина ужасно нещо. От книгата научих и някой исторически факти. Учебниците така трябва да ги правят, да бъдат интересни и като истории, а не само факти да ти дават. 😁 Давам и 5/5🌟.

[Bladelor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le mystère de Lucy Lost est un roman de fiction inspiré par le naufrage du Lusitania.
Sur une île déserte au sud de l'Angleterre, lors d'une partie de pêche, Jim et son fils Alfie trouvent une jeune fille mal en point et incapable de parler. Qui est-elle, et d'où vient-elle ?
Entre fiction, donc, et Histoire, nous suivons le récit de cette Lucy Lost.
Dans ce livre, il est question d'amitié, d'amour, de tolérance, de résilience. Tout cela au son du cri des mouettes et des vagues qui viennent déferler sur le rivage.
L'écriture de Morpurgo est superbe, les scènes en mer particulièrement réussies, on s'y croirait.
Comme toujours avec cet auteur, un roman tout en sensibilité.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel! He is an excellent author! I loved War Horse! You feel what the characters feel & you are taken away to far off lands that you have never seen but it’s so real the way he writes you think you are there in that time period! I have never been to Europe or to any other Island then PEI & yet I have travelled there in my time periods through books! Books are magical places & this story is no different!

[Ramindu Thivanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story of sunken english ship called Lusy, one of the biggest ships in the world and had caused loss of huge number of lives.
A girl who had lost her identity, many thinks she's from enemy land. But who's enemy??
As long we love each other, show our gratitude to the human kind many good things will come around to your life !
You will never know
It's a story about love, no matter what others believe.

[C.J. J Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a book for children aged 9 and above but as always, Michael Morpurgo writes for all ages. this beautiful, and sometimes tragic story of a young girl being found near to death and without any memory of who she is. The story unfolds on the beautiful islands of Scilly during the First World War and it will touch the strongest heart.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I recommend it to lots of book loving people but not for younger readers because they might find it a bit confusing as I had to reread the start a few times. It's based in a true story and a few bits I had a hard time to believe but it was an amazing story. You couldn't put it down!😁 it truly also shows how unfair and horrible the war was.

[Jemma]

This book is amazing! At first, I was not entirely sold, but don't give up! The story line was creepy, fun, lovely and grasping. It filled me with a mix of sadness, horror and joy all at the same time. Only a brilliant book can do this.

[Jackie Rudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by MM. I read this to my 9yo and we both enjoyed it. There is always something for adults and children alike in his writing. Historically informative and especially interesting to us as cornish natives. A great read.

[Natalia Burtenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't finished this book yet, but I really like it. its very good. I recommend it.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story and well written

[Mrs Tracy Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book a great historical read based on real life events. Very true to the Isles of Scilly, a place I love to visit

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was just... wonderful.