This is one of Michael Morpurgo's longest books and it is certainly one of the most beautiful he has written. Just looking at the cover makes you want to read it and you will not be disappointed.
The story is told by the grandson of the main character and the short introductory chapter is so convincing that I was well into the book before I realised that it was, in fact, a piece of wonderful fiction, not Michael Morpurgo's own family story. Do look at the photos that the author took in the Scilly Isles and you will see how he was inspired to write this story.
It is set in the First World War in 1915 when Alfie and his father find a girl, who is injured and unable to speak, in the Pest house on one of the uninhabited Scilly Islands. The book is her story and the terrible thing that has happened to her. It reminds us of the sinking of the Lusitania when so many children who thought they were on their way to safety were drowned. The girl is taken in and loved by Alfie's family and she is gradually healed as she meets Alfie's Uncle Billy, who has been released from the county asylum, and Alfie's horse. The family call her Lucy because that is the only word she can say. Sadly not all the community are as welcoming as Alfie'd family because they think she is German. The only things that make her happy are music and looking at the moon. Can you imagine how hard it was for Lucy to go to school?
Although Listen to the Moon is a long book every page is riveting and although it is a very sad story, like all Michael Morpurgo's books it is full of hope. I'm sure that if you read it, it will linger in your dreams long after you have turned the last page. I will be very surprised if it isn't made into a film.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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