The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry
VERDICT: Recommended
(with caution)
Concern Level: Medium-Low
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelMedium-Low
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
In this story, a young French Indian girl with a vivid imagination is dealing with the sadness of loss through the death of loved ones and is finding hope in a future new life while clinging to stories of her past. As the young girl lives in her imagination as a princess or fairy, here are a few things that are mentioned (note that these are not expounded on in the book): magical lanterns, magical birds, and the role play of “a lover in some foreign opera”. In one moment of self-pity, she says, “she was the dunce”. As the story concludes, there is an innocent conversation between the main character and a young boy that hints that they may become more than friends. Bickering siblings, disobedience and lying are present but not addressed, which is unfortunate. We should also mention that, while we list a decent number of Christian-related terms and comments, it does not necessarily represent life in a Christian family. That presents an interesting mix for young Christian readers.
VerdictRecommended
Our Thoughts
Lucy Landry, the main character, is a nervous and lonely girl that later shows to be brave, considerate and generous. Readers will get a glimpse of what life is like for a lighthouse keeping family and also for an orphan trying to belong. In the end she has overcome her fear and learns to not use imagination to cope with reality (an adult who does retreat to her imagination advises that “ it’s important to choose the right one”). This is a story that seems to take you on a journey that would be representational of real-life occurrences, yet as it progresses it can at times seem a bit unrealistic and reckless, while at the same time being hopeful and inspiring. Throughout we do see some Christian-related content. During a challenging time in the story, there are a few references to God (e.g., “felt someone else telling her to do it and she did it" and “ Somewhere in the night was God, in all of this, or maybe He was everywhere”). Psalm 107:29 is written out in the book and later recalled in a difficult situation where God is called on for help. Reference to being blessed for the closeness of family and the name Jesus appears in the last few pages. However we didn’t find these small references enough to present as a Christian titles. This is one we Recommend, just with a bit of caution. You may want to read through this one with your child so you can help them see this distinction as well.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
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 "HEARTWARMING."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "TENDER... WHOLESOME."—Publishers Weekly, starred review "UNIQUE."—Youth Services Book Review, starred review
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Other Reviews for this Book
Blossoming Through Books
This looks like an awesome Christian review resource. Great content in the About material. Certainly a site to check out.
Read ReviewRedeemed Reader
This looks like an awesome Christian review resource. Great content in the About material. Certainly a site to check out.
Per the usual, a bit too light on the potentially concerning content (they state “None” for considerations)
Read ReviewCommon Sense Media
While this particular review is solid, always be careful when using this secular site as a Christian parent. There are often major inconsistencies of worldview.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 2 Peter 1:3-8
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