About This Book
Kathryn Lasky's 'Lucy' is a historical young adult novel set in 19th-century Bar Harbor, Maine, following seventeen-year-old Lucy. Her minister father's prestigious summer position brings her family to a new social scene, where her mother is determined to secure a wealthy match for Lucy. However, Lucy finds herself captivated by the rugged beauty of the sea, the charm of a local ship-builder, and the intriguing local legends of mermaids. The book delves into themes of societal expectations, personal identity, first love, and the allure of the unknown, blending historical romance with a subtle fantastical element. It's suitable for readers aged 12-18 who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place and a touch of the mythical.
When seventeen-year-old Lucy's father, a minister, gets a prestigious summer position in Bar Harbor, Maine, her mother determines to find a rich husband for her daughter but Lucy is fascinated by the sea and a handsome ship-builder.
Romantic Content
social_pressure
Discussion Prompts
1
How do Lucy's desires conflict with her mother's expectations? How does she navigate this?
2
What role does the setting of Bar Harbor, Maine, and the sea play in Lucy's journey of self-discovery?
3
How do the themes of social class and identity intersect in Lucy's story?
4
What do you think about the legends of mermaids in the story? How do they influence Lucy or the narrative?
5
How does Lucy demonstrate independence and courage throughout the book?
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