SOLVED. Old fantasy book read in 1980s. [s]

[Niki]

Hi - I'm looking for an old fantasy book that I read many years ago, probably in the 1980s. It was about a young man with telepathic powers who could communicate with animals. In the opening chapters he was in bed as a boy and there were cockroaches in the room. He suggested to them that they go to another room (his sisters I think) where they were stamped on and killed. He could hear their fear and pain and felt really guilty and responsible for using his powers that way.

Any ideas please anyone?

[Ayshe]

I think Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card had that.

[Niki]

Ayshe wrote: "I think Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card had that."

You are right Ayshe - thanks so much for replying, its being driving me mad trying to remember. I'm putting that series of books on my list to be re-read. Thanks again.