A review by jodieworton
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book I read with my book swap team, we all had a copy and have read this month.
The story surrounds a couple (Thomas and Isabelle) who live on an island with the sole purpose to look after the lighthouse that is stationed there.
After being on the island for a couple of years and the awful three miscarriages Isabelle endures, they find a baby lost at sea, their father has already passed away when their boat drifted ashore with him dead within.
In Isabelle’s state of mind she assumes the baby has no mother and no other family and that they should keep her, whilst Tom has conflicting thoughts. As lighthouse keeper everything has to be documented, this would mean him omitting what has happened.
They decide to keep her, and name her Lucy. For a few years all seems ok, they then need to head to the main land, it’s from this visit they meet Lucy’s real mother and a moral dilemma ensues.
In Toms mind it is clear what needs to be done, return Lucy to her mother, however for Isabelle that is not an option.
This is a slow burn and it needs to be to understand the motivation of the characters. Since reading, i’ve thought about it a few times and the predicament the main couple are faced with you do end up feeling for both sides.
The story surrounds a couple (Thomas and Isabelle) who live on an island with the sole purpose to look after the lighthouse that is stationed there.
After being on the island for a couple of years and the awful three miscarriages Isabelle endures, they find a baby lost at sea, their father has already passed away when their boat drifted ashore with him dead within.
In Isabelle’s state of mind she assumes the baby has no mother and no other family and that they should keep her, whilst Tom has conflicting thoughts. As lighthouse keeper everything has to be documented, this would mean him omitting what has happened.
They decide to keep her, and name her Lucy. For a few years all seems ok, they then need to head to the main land, it’s from this visit they meet Lucy’s real mother and a moral dilemma ensues.
In Toms mind it is clear what needs to be done, return Lucy to her mother, however for Isabelle that is not an option.
This is a slow burn and it needs to be to understand the motivation of the characters. Since reading, i’ve thought about it a few times and the predicament the main couple are faced with you do end up feeling for both sides.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Kidnapping