Sue's Libretto, set in Chicago, takes place between 2005 and 2008, during the Iraq War. Sue works for the Lyric Opera. Thanks to her grandfather, Papa, a Lyric benefactor, she is deeply involved in the fantasy world of opera. Through her brother, Stan, she meets Vic DeMarco, a black ops Army officer. After a whirlwind courtship she marries Vic DeMarco. When he leaves on a secret operation, she doesn't know where he is or what's happening to him. For her birthday he sends her a dog she names Luchie, after her hero Pavarotti. With Luchie at the dog park, she meets Antonio, a teenager with a gifted voice. She finds a voice teacher for the boy, who she believes has great talent. Vic's dangerous missions are told from his POV, intermixed with Antonio's fear of the gangs in his neighborhood and fear for his foster family and siblings. Reality and fantasy are interwoven in the lives of these characters. We follow Vic's risky mission and the common instability he experiences on his return. This raises serious marriage problems for the young couple. He pleads for a family; she resists, feeling he isn't stable yet. Antonio attempts to avoid the gang life and searches for his real father. He is the model for his foster siblings in the Esperanza home as he strives to reach his musical goal. Memorable minor characters enhance the story.
