The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry
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Average rating4
15
Ratings1
Average rating4
Lucy, a spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to the stormy waters of Lake Superior to live with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers—and, she hopes, to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seeking… Selena Lucy Landry (named for a ship, as every sailor’s child should be) has been frightened of the water ever since she lost her father at sea. But with no one else to care for her, she’s sent to foster with the Martins—a large Anishinaabe family living on a lighthouse in the middle of stormy Lake Superior. The Martin family is big, hard-working, and close, and Lucy—who has always been a dreamer—struggles to fit in. Can she go one day without ruining the laundry or forgetting the sweeping? Will she ever be less afraid of the lake? Although life at the lighthouse isn’t what Lucy hoped for, it is beautiful—ships come and go, waves pound the rocks—and it has one major advantage: It’s near the site of a famous shipwreck, a shipwreck that went down with a treasure her father wanted more than anything. If Lucy can find that treasure—a priceless ruby necklace—won’t it be like having Papa back again, just a little bit? But someone else is hunting for the treasure, too. And as the lighthouse company becomes increasingly skeptical that the Martins can juggle Lucy and their duties, Lucy and the Martin children will need to find the necklace quickly—or they may not have a home at all. The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry is a timelessly sweet tale of found family from rising Ojibwe voice Anna Rose Johnson, author of NPR Best Book of the Year The Star That Always Stays. Perfect for fans of L.M. Montgomery and Karina Yan Glaser! "Lucy Landry is a charming and fanciful heroine reminiscent of Anne Shirley, who reminds us that even in dark times, we can be a light for others."—Alyssa Colman, author of Bank Street Best Book of the Year The Gilded Girl
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Book Review: The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of delving into the enchanting world of “The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry” by Anna Rose Johnson, and it was a delightful journey. This heartwarming middle-grade novel follows the spirited French-Ojibwe orphan, Lucy, as she finds herself amidst the stormy waters of Lake Superior, living with a mysterious family of lighthouse-keepers.
Lucy's story is one of resilience and hope, as she navigates her fears of the water and strives to find the legendary necklace her late father spent his life searching for. Johnson's writing style is captivating, drawing readers in with its well-paced narrative that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.
Set against the backdrop of a lighthouse on Lake Superior, the novel's setting is vividly depicted, immersing readers in the beauty and challenges of life by the lakeshore. The incorporation of Anishinaabemowin words and Mrs. Martin's dedication to preserving their native language adds a rich layer of cultural depth to the story, making it both educational and engaging.
One of the highlights of the book is Lucy herself - a spunky and determined protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring. Her interactions with the Martin family, her struggles to fit in, and her quest for the treasure intertwine to create a tale that tugs at your heartstrings.
In many ways, “The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry” reminded me of a lighthouse-themed version of “Little House on the Prairie,” with its wholesome charm and endearing characters. As a reader who appreciates the magic of middle-grade novels, I found myself thoroughly enchanted by Lucy's story, despite being well past my middle-grade years.
Overall, Anna Rose Johnson has crafted a touching and engaging tale that will appeal to readers of all ages. If you're looking for a book that combines adventure, heart, and a sprinkling of history, then don't miss out on “The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry.” It's a gem of a read that shines bright with its message of courage, friendship, and the power of never giving up on your dreams.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
