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The Light Between Oceans

by M.L. Stedman (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 42,739 ratings · 8,016 reviews

AFTER FOUR HARROWING YEARS ON THE WESTERN Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Is...more

Kindle Edition, 356 pages

Published July 2012 by Scribner (first published April 9th 2012)

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Dec 04, 2012 Jeanette rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-fiction, domestic-and-relationship-fiction, four-star-fiction, the-land-down-under

"Sometimes life turns out hard, Isabel. Sometimes it just bites right through you. And sometimes, just when you think it's done its worst, it comes back and takes another chunk."

Remember when you were four years old, and your mother was just about your entire world? If you can remember that long-ago feeling of attachment to a parent, or if you have a child, or if you have longed for a child of your own, your heart will break for little Lucy. And it will break for all the grown-ups who loved her,...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-release, aussie-authors, own-read

What a wonderfully complex and morally riveting story! I literally could not put this down, and read for a solid 3 hours last night, until 1am, when I finished this book!

When Tom Sherbourne returned from WWI, he was a shattered man. He needed a quiet place to gather his thoughts, to calm himself, as he didn’t believe he should have survived the war, when his mates did not. So he became a lighthouse keeper, and over the next few years, he did his job, and learned his trade, until he accepted the...more

46 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Gabe Vazquez rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

The Light Between Oceans was an incredible moving novel about what happens when good people make bad decisions. The story takes place in the town of Point Partageuse, Australia during the 1920s. The story begins when a light house keeper (Tom) and his wife (Isabel) find a life boat with a dead man and live baby in it on the beach and have to make tough decisions regarding the baby's future.

This book was an incredible quick read, but never once did I feel it was forced or lacking in anyway. The s...more

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May 09, 2013 Kristalia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, own-physical-copy, gifted-to-me, favorites, reviewed, sob-fest-its-so-sad, be-my-hero-plz, cut-my-heart-out, they-are-so-cute-its-unbearable, standalone-story

FINAL RATING: ★★★★★/★★★★★

“...or I can forgive and forget...Oh, but my treasure, it is so much less exhausting. You only have to forgive once. To resent, you have to do it all day, every day. You have to keep remembering all the bad things...we always have a choice.”

One word: Beautiful. And also beautiful. and beautiful. and beautiful....

I cannot even begin the review properly. This book crushed my feelings, brought them back together and did it all over and over again. I smiled and i cried....more

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Nov 10, 2012 Lou rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: literature

Just added today saturday 10th some long needed excerpts that I was meant to add a while back.

A wonderful moving heartfelt story.
The lighthouse has a new occupant a veteran who soon finds himself amongst the quaint beautiful surroundings in need of company and finds love then eventually as the tide passes and the seasons change they have need for children like many couples do. They fear one day this passage of joy and happiness will be swept away from them for very good reasons. In the course o...more
Just added today saturday 10th some long needed excerpts that I was meant to add a while back.

A wonderful moving heartfelt story.
The lighthouse has a new occupant a veteran who soon finds himself amongst the quaint beautiful surroundings in need of company and finds love then eventually as the tide passes and the seasons change they have need for children like many couples do. They fear one day this passage of joy and happiness will be swept away from them for very good reasons. In the course of having and raising a child they go though a process of emotions and feelings that go with love, loss, betrayal, regret, shame, and love all over again. The harrowing journey the characters go through in the light that started in the oceans has your heart in your throat at times and you are guaranteed to have thoughts on love, betrayal and forgiveness remain for some time in your mind. This was a great accomplishment for a debut a love story that deserves all the praise it has received from Goodreads to Oprah's Magazine.

Excerpts

"There are times when the ocean is not the ocean-not blue, not even water, but some violent explosion of energy and danger; ferocity on a scale only gods can summon. It hurls itself at the island, sending spray right over the top of he lighthouse, biting pieces off the cliff. And the sound is a roaring of a beast whose anger knows no limits. Those are the nights the light is needed the most."

"The oceans never stop. They know no beginning or end. The wind never finishes. Sometimes it disappears, but only to gather momentum from somewhere else, returning to fling itself at the island, to make a point which is lost on Tom. Existence here is on a scale of giants. Time is in the million of years; rocks which from a distance look like dice cast against the shore are boulders hundreds of feet wide, licked round by millennia, tumbled onto their sides so that layers become vertical stripes."

"It's like being in a different world, out there, and a different time: nothing changes except seasons. There are dozens of lighthouses all around the coast of Australia: plenty more fellows like me, trying to make ships safe, keeping the light for whoever might need it, even though we'll mostly never see them or know who they are."

"Quite the war hero, too. Military Cross and Bar. I've read your citations: captured a German machine-gun nest single-handed. Carried four of your men to safety under sniper fire. And the rest." Sprang let a moment pass."You must have killed a lot of people in your time."
Tom remained silent."

Review and author video and trailer @ http://more2read.com/review/the-light-between-oceans-by-m-l-stedman/(less)

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May 27, 2013 Dem rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Dem by: Ann

Shelves: recommended, favorites

The light between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is a beautifully written and emotional story which I enjoyed very much. A back to basics Novel with a good plot.

This story is about right and wrong and how sometimes they look the same.

Tom Sherbourne who released from the horrors of First world War is now a lighthouse Keeper cocooned on a remote Australian island with his young wife Izzy, who is content in everything but her failure to have a child.
One April morning a boat washes ashore carrying a dead m...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Rob Mango rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Light Between Oceans. (Stedman)

Much has been written about the conclusion of counselor Stedman's impressive debut. Prepare to encounter a plot in which one is held suspended until the final chapter,the author skillfully engages the template of the irresolvable outcome.We who require fiction, know this perilous path.Not unlike her characters there is vulnerability for her along this intrepid heading, dividing the readers into camps of wanting ,needing a particular resolution,in order to avoid the...more Light Between Oceans. (Stedman)

Much has been written about the conclusion of counselor Stedman's impressive debut. Prepare to encounter a plot in which one is held suspended until the final chapter,the author skillfully engages the template of the irresolvable outcome.We who require fiction, know this perilous path.Not unlike her characters there is vulnerability for her along this intrepid heading, dividing the readers into camps of wanting ,needing a particular resolution,in order to avoid the abysmal disappointment which awaits(in itself courageous). Many will judge the quality of the writing by the fate assigned to their preferred character. To those who arrive at the final page deflated,and will regard the book harshly,I address my review.
Clearly this work is a confrontation between moral truth and human instinct,wrapped in a beautiful location, unfamiliar hemisphere,in an earlier epoch few alive today have witnessed.
The back stories in themselves more than justify the time invested and compelling emotion aroused. One such resume takes us into the trenches of Tripoli and the ensuing nightmares of the man who inhabited them.The backgrounds and set-up of the three primary characters are informative,economic and laced with subtle relevancy. Descriptions languidly unfold of feminine manor and costume,nautical forces,unique Aussie marsupials and the optical dynamics of a turn of the century lighthouse.Together they assemble a picture in the minds eye that last well beyond a divisive plot resolution.
The character representing moral truth is of opposite gender to the author.Tom is rendered thoughtfully with an empathy and insight that impressed me greatly.I found the handling of the lighthouse keeper,a WWI vet a distinctive strength of the novel.The two women represent unchained human instinct;the maternal variety,arguably the strongest force among living things,easily stronger than the conscience of one man who ultimately could not sustain their deception. Their personalities are rendered uniquely different with purposeful detail but animated by the same need.One senses with foreboding their inevitable clash which steadily increases our anxiety and empathy.Explosive emotions generated by their conflicting claim,result in a head on encounter of the feminine imperative,to which they cling through the fateful conclusion and beyond.
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May 19, 2013 Suzanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is really a 3 1/2. I really enjoyed meeting Tom, the lighthouse keeper, man who could tell no lies. His attention to the light house and Janus is admirable. His career in the Army is heroic. He is a loving husband and father, though somewhat damaged son and brother.
I was shocked that Isabelle's mourning family so readily allows her to marry and live on isolated Janus, so far from them. Isabelle, from the beginning is a "wild child." I can see how her disappointments would make her very desp...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Barbara Williams rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: war-what-is-it-good-for, what-a-twist, why-do-you-let-me-down, dumb-ass-heroine

I am going to start with review with a disclaimer. This review is subjective, from my point of view etc. I thought this book was terrible, bad, no good. You don’t have to agree with me, and you could think that this was the most AMAZING book and your eyes almost exploded from all the awesomeness that traveled through them to reach your brain which leapt in your skull with every sentence you read, and that is fine. I do not think that you are inferior to me.

Now on to my review. Stop here for spo...more I am going to start with review with a disclaimer. This review is subjective, from my point of view etc. I thought this book was terrible, bad, no good. You don’t have to agree with me, and you could think that this was the most AMAZING book and your eyes almost exploded from all the awesomeness that traveled through them to reach your brain which leapt in your skull with every sentence you read, and that is fine. I do not think that you are inferior to me.

Now on to my review. Stop here for spoilers (although you might regret it! It’s an awesome review.)

I am not one to judge books by their covers, although a good cover is always a bonus, and this book has a excellent one. Props to the graphic designer. Combined with being on the New York Times Best Seller list, and having an first rate premise, I thought this one was a winner. But I was wrong. DEAD WRONG (ok that is a little dramatic.) If I was describe my reading experience like the ocean tides, sometimes I would be fine, floating near the shore, but other times it would sweep me out to sea with its ridiculousness. The conclusion didn’t help the novel’s case. It left a distinctly bitter taste in my mouth.

So basically the premise is that a couple, Tom and Isabel, living on a island in a lighthouse in Australia, find a dead man and baby ashore. Isabel, filled with grief from her last three miscarriages, begs her husband to kidnap the baby and bury the dead man in a ditch so she can be fulfilled as a woman and finally have a child. She assumes that the mother is dead, so I mean, is she really doing anything wrong? It’s like when you find a stray dog and it has a collar. What if the dog was being abused, so that’s why it ran away? It’s your duty to keep that cute dog and love it forever. Except…. This is a BABY. Now I have never had a miscarriage, nor have I ever had children, so I guess this is why I hated Isabel so much. I don’t understand her point of view AT ALL. I agreed with Tom, and was pretty mad when his sympathies got the better of him. I mean really, it’s a BABY people. It is a human life you're messing with!

So Tom and Isabel visit the main land like every three years, and this time they bring the baby, who they have named Lucy, for her christening and to show off to everyone. Now here comes the twist: the mother is alive! Shocker I know. So Tom once again is like, “Hey, this is kidnapping now, and the mother is literally insane with grief. Maybe we should give back her baby.” And Isabel is all like, “No! I can’t have babies. And I am a selfish person who is pretending to be a good person by saying it is better for the baby if she stays with us. We can’t confuse Lucy!” For me, I have always thought love was doing what is best for the person you care for. Apparently, this is not what Isabel thinks love is, so this makes her the villain of the story in my perspective.

So of course, Tom and Isabel are found out eventually, all by Tom’s doing, so he takes the blame for everything. This is the point where I want to give up on the book, and it’s not because I hate Isabel for letting Tom take the blame to make him suffer for taking Lucy away. The story is full of pointless dialog and characters (and not even Jane Austin style with enjoyable pointless dialog.) It is like Stedman’s publisher was like, “This novel has to be 300+ pages so, get on that and write me some more!” I think I would have enjoyed this story much more if it was a short story. I skimmed the last chapters, just so I could be done with it.

Now there are some redeeming factors to this novel ( I mean it’s not like this is 50 Shades of Gray terrible, I gave it two stars) . Stedman is a great writer when it comes down to descriptions of the island of Janus and little antidotes about the 1920’s in Australia. I just didn’t like her characters, NOT one of them.

So my conclusion is read this book for yourself and make up your own opinion. As for me, I still need to learn that “judging a book by its cover” is a phrase for a reason.
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Caryn Interesting discussion. I actually had the opposite response from yours, Barbara. I thought all of the characters were very sympathetic. Even when the...more
Jun 15, 2013 10:02pm

Denice Lawsha Linda wrote: "Linda Trawnik That's so interesting. I had a hard time with this book too but I hated Tom! and Hannah! Truth be told I don't like readin...more
5 hours, 7 min ago

Feb 07, 2013 Averil rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My very first book for 2013, and one I spent the latter half of last year just longing to get my hands on.

Well, I finished The Light Between Oceans in only two sittings, in one single day! And this novel - a heartbreaking exploration of right and wrong, and the lonely windswept grey island which lies between the two - has completely wrung me out on only Day One of a brand new reading year.

How I wept. I mean absolutely WEPT. No parent could bear such sorrow, on either side of the swirling misery...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Jennie Walters rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book, particularly towards the end, which was more subtle and unexpected than I'd predicted. My reservations were largely that some of the dialogue seemed a bit clunky, and at first the relationship between Tom and Isabel, the main protagonists, didn't quite convince - the scene where Isabel imitates the other dinner guests, for example, didn't succeed for me. But by the end, I had really warmed to Tom, the hero of the book, who although damaged by his experiences in the war, is s...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: group-local-book-club

I have been in a deep reading slump and "The Light Between Oceans” was so very refreshing for me. I could almost feel the sea spray and smell the sea air. The details about isolated living on the tiny island really grabbed my imagination. The story swept me up like an ocean wave and kept me tumbling until the end. You can see the train wreck coming but have no idea how or when it will happen and how the characters will deal with it, you can't look away. This is a wonderful story about the fragil...more

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May 15, 2013 Tania rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books, best

"We live with the decisions we make".

I absolutely loved this book. It did not want it to end, but could not put it down. It was beautifully written and the characters were all very well developed. I felt for all of them. The setting was interesting, I've never thought about living in a lighthouse, on a small island, hundreds of miles from everything else. Most of all though I was riveted by the story. It touches on so many moral issues, without being judgmental. This is also one of the best lov...more

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May 29, 2013 Annalisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: literary, historical-fiction

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book more than the build toward the climax where I resisted some of the plot points and pulled out of the story. I worried it was building toward an emotionally manipulative tragedy that wouldn't feel realistic. Gratefully, it didn't turn out as I expected (view spoiler). The only thing that felt unrealistic to me toward th...more 3.5 stars

I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book more than the build toward the climax where I resisted some of the plot points and pulled out of the story. I worried it was building toward an emotionally manipulative tragedy that wouldn't feel realistic. Gratefully, it didn't turn out as I expected (view spoiler). The only thing that felt unrealistic to me toward the end was all the closure weaved through too much dialogue. Sometimes you don't get the chance to tell someone exactly how you feel and if you do, you don't want to, at least not nearly to the extent of explanation offered here. I think some of those scenes would have been better left as a longing or internal dialogue.

I'd heard from several people that this was a tear jerker, but I never committed to the characters enough to feel that level of sadness. My resistance was to Isabel. I could understand Tom's moral compass fighting with his loyalty to his wife (view spoiler). I certainly sympathized with Hannah's struggle as well as poor little Lucy's, almost everyone in the book, but not Isabel. With all that loss and hurt building up into twisted sense of right and survival, she could have been the most sympathetic character, but she was so narrow-minded and blinded in her anger, and even joy at Hannah's expense, that I found myself unable to like or even pity her. (view spoiler)

The writing was beautiful and I reread some of the descriptions. I did have an issue the leap to present in what felt like random scenes that pulled me out of the story and had me scratching my head as to why the sudden switch in tense that shifted back again after that scene. But overall, I liked the story. It left a lot to contemplate in what is ultimately right when the initial wrong choice has affected so many lives. (less)

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Mar 21, 2013 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Barbara by: Debby and Rose

Shelves: historical-fiction

I frequently give thought to what appeals to us in our reading. Certainly,appreciation of a book is influenced by our life experiences, but there must be more. The effort that an author takes in writing has to contribute to the many dimensions of telling her tale. With all of that in mind, I have come to the easily reached conclusion that M.L. Stedman has achieved her goal. It is not difficult for me to give her my rare 5 star rating.

This is an unique, stirring tale of a young Australian couple...more

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May 19, 2013 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: top-rating-books, ozzie-gems

The Light Between Oceans is a thought provoking read about how decisions made can have grave consequences in the future. The story goes of Tom Sherbourne who after 4 years fighting in Europe during WW1 returns to Australia a different man. After the horrors he seen he needs a complete break from reality and finds it as a lighthouse keeper on a remote Island of Western Australia Janus Rock. For a while it is just him and the lighthouse and that is just the way he likes it. but after being ashore...more The Light Between Oceans is a thought provoking read about how decisions made can have grave consequences in the future. The story goes of Tom Sherbourne who after 4 years fighting in Europe during WW1 returns to Australia a different man. After the horrors he seen he needs a complete break from reality and finds it as a lighthouse keeper on a remote Island of Western Australia Janus Rock. For a while it is just him and the lighthouse and that is just the way he likes it. but after being ashore on a few times and the only human contact being supply ships that come every six months Tom starts to ponder what it would be like to share his life with someone else. That someone will show herself in name of Isabel Graysmark.

Isabel is a fun loving and adventurous women and after a few chance encounters it's clear to all there is more than just friendship there between the two. What concerns Tom though is how Isabel would adapt to living on Janus with the isolation and harsh weather but Isabel assures Tom things will be fine and they will be happy. Those thoughts are tested after two miscarriages and one stillbirth that rock Isabel to the core and leave Tom seemingly helpless on what to do. Just when the couple have resigned themselves to the thought of never being parents then a boat would be found washed up onshore. Inside is a dead man and a baby girl. Tom wants to inform the mainland of there finding but Isabel convinces Tom otherwise and the two will soon raise the child as there own a decision that will come back to haunt them later in life.

This was an amazing read that had me constantly questioning what was right and wrong and how in this case the line was alot finer than is normally the case. The two main characters were so likable and even with there choices i didn't begruge them wanting happiness after years of despair. Tom inparticular was great as a tortured soul who just wanted to make Izz happy and would sacrifice himself to ensure her wellbeing. While the other characters all played significant roles in the decisons that are made. The characters all had parts to play and made it feel like a community albeit one struggling to do the right thing. Janus was also memorable with Stedman's writing making me feel like i was there experiencing the isolation and how this was for Tom. The best thing about the book was it made me think what would i do faced with the situation Tom And Izz found themselves in? Yes putting yourself under the microscope might seem uncomfortable but it is also enlightening. This would be a perfect read for book clubs and one i would gladly recommend the everyone.(less)

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Apr 27, 2013 Parvathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: broken-characters, family-drama, informative, historicals, movie-material, living-vicariously, please-pass-the-tissues, thought-provoking, tower-read, tower-team-d

It is true that they say that it is the little things that make a book memorable. Little moments that stay with long after the book has ended which culminates over that years and make you think that you have stumbled upon a master piece. This book is full of such moments.. moments so poignant that I don't think that I will be able to forget them no matter how hard I tried. I never really have given much thought to the life of a lighthouse keeper. May be because I live in this age and far away fr...more It is true that they say that it is the little things that make a book memorable. Little moments that stay with long after the book has ended which culminates over that years and make you think that you have stumbled upon a master piece. This book is full of such moments.. moments so poignant that I don't think that I will be able to forget them no matter how hard I tried. I never really have given much thought to the life of a lighthouse keeper. May be because I live in this age and far away from any ocean that the whole concept is kind of foreign to me. Recently When I think of beach or ocean all I can think of is sand and getting dirty so I try to avoid trips to the beach as far as possible. But having read this book and being introduced to the ocean in a whole new light I am about to change my attitude. The magic of
the sea that was woven into this book and the intricacies of a life left to its own devices have made me realize that there is a whole new world out there that is unexplored and inexperienced. Feelings left unexplained and untouched.

After having lived through a war and being discharged with all the honors that a military officer like him could have Tom wants nothing more than to live the rest of his life tending to the light that saves the life of those who are drift in the ocean. When he gets and opportunity to become the lighthouse keeper at the isolated Juan Islands he accepts it without a second thought. Then he meets
Isabel a happy go lucky girl who takes an instant liking to him "his other half of the sky". From there we take a journey with the couple as the struggle through life, the happiness the find in each other at that isolated island with the lighthouse that has become the center of their life, the miscarriages that Isabel suffers that turns her in to the desperate woman, the baby who washes up on a boat and the choices that each of them make portray a very moving story. But the story itself is not which makes this book work. It is the characters their emotions, their fears, their longing all makes this story as real as anything you have experienced. The moments when Isabel washes her still born child and cries holding the child in her arms, the scenes were Isabel's mother Violet reminiscences about her dead sons. Coming to know of her son's death when a box of his belongings is delivered to her, Tom consoling Isabel after each of her miscarriages and Isabel lashing out at him for her predicament as he is the only person on the island with her with Tom saying nothing in return holding on to his own despair, Isabel looking at the markings on the wall and thinking her of her dead brothers words saying that they will be back when she grows this tall, making her realize that she has never really grew up to that height, every time Tom calls the child he found "littlie" and ever time she calls him Dadda and promises that she will love him forever and ever and ever...... There are many more of these moments that make this book a worth while read and brings tears to my eyes but I can't divulge all of it without giving up the story. So I will leave it up to you guys to read and find out. All in All a moving tale about choices and sacrifices persons have to make in life and the consequences of those actions.(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Robert rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

A woman’s love for her child never falters, never truly manages to say goodbye. It’s a powerful message, and one certainly worthy of an entire novel that spans decades. Based on this theme, the timespan seems appropriate, even if there’s a lot of back and forth between the past and present, at least initially, before the theme really takes hold, and the story takes off a bit.

Isabel was a hard character for me to like, but then I’m not a mother, and I have absolutely no context for what it’s like...more A woman’s love for her child never falters, never truly manages to say goodbye. It’s a powerful message, and one certainly worthy of an entire novel that spans decades. Based on this theme, the timespan seems appropriate, even if there’s a lot of back and forth between the past and present, at least initially, before the theme really takes hold, and the story takes off a bit.

Isabel was a hard character for me to like, but then I’m not a mother, and I have absolutely no context for what it’s like to lose a child to miscarriage. And in her case, it wasn’t just one child that met this fate, but two children. Even though she’d given up what amounted to a normal life to live with her husband, I still viewed the world in black and white and thought it was wrong to take Lucy and raise her as her own. It’s a decision that affects more than just her and her husband. In some ways you could say a whole town was affected by her decision, just as she was affected by Tom’s decision to be a lighthouse keeper. In the end, though, I grew to like her a bit as a character, and I came to understand, at least on some level, why she had made the choice that she did with Lucy. I attribute that at least in part to M.L. Stedman’s abilities as an author. She’s a writer with talent, and I can see why Amazon has chosen the book as its book of the month for August. It’s a book that would do well with book clubs, especially book clubs with a large feminine presence, as Isabel’s decision can be debated back and forth for longer than just a mere cup of tea.

I struggled with how to rate this novel. Throughout most of the book, though, I was ready to rate the novel with three stars. In the end, I’ve decided to stick with this rating, as it seems the most accurate. Being an author myself, and knowing the journey that most writers face to publication, especially those that seek out large and small traditional publishers, it’s hard for me not to find some redeeming quality in the writing, some spark that helps guide me toward the end. This book certainly had that spark, but I’m not sure I can say I really liked it. I certainly came to like many of the characters, and it certainly proved a quicker read than I expected, although it’s certainly not a light read, not with the themes that are flowing through this novel. It’s a book that will slowly digest over time, and I suppose that’s why it’s a bit hard for me to commit to a rating right now. If you’re looking for a book to debate, or to think about long after you’ve closed it, then this is a book you’ll probably want to add to your reading pile.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.(less)

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Apr 15, 2012 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-reviews, aussie-author

The Light Between Oceans is a compelling debut from Australian born author M.L. (Margot) Stedman. Set on a tiny island off the coast of Western Australia, where the the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean, this novel explores the haunting consequences of love and desire. Tom Sherbourne is the lighthouse keeper at Janus Rock, a position that has afforded him some measure of peace after the horrors of World War One. During his infrequent visits to the mainland at Port Partageuse, he develops a r...more The Light Between Oceans is a compelling debut from Australian born author M.L. (Margot) Stedman. Set on a tiny island off the coast of Western Australia, where the the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean, this novel explores the haunting consequences of love and desire. Tom Sherbourne is the lighthouse keeper at Janus Rock, a position that has afforded him some measure of peace after the horrors of World War One. During his infrequent visits to the mainland at Port Partageuse, he develops a relationship with the spirited Isabel Graysmark whom he eventually marries and the two create a life together on Rock. Their bliss is marred only by Isabel's repeated miscarriages so when a boat drifts ashore carrying a dead man and squalling infant girl, Isabel convinces Tom that they have been granted a gift. Lucy becomes the light of their lives but Tom's unease with the situation never dissipates and when he learns the devastating truth he is torn between right and wrong, guilt and innocence, love and duty.

With stunning sensitivity, Stedman explores the grey, murky waters between the absolutes of right and wrong. Decisions made with good intentions, with love, prove ultimately to have consequences that cause irreparable harm. A heartbreaking tale that has strong emotional impact I found myself equally torn as the story unfolds, my sympathies lay with all the protagonists, two grieving women and a man who wants to do right by both of them. Joy is often juxtaposed by a sense of dread and tension seeps from pages.

Tom is a complex man, shaped by tragedy and war, he clings to the ideals of love, honour and duty. He knows how the lines between right and wrong can blur given circumstances and strives to do the right thing always. In this instance he fulfils his obligation to his wife, to love and honour her, by allowing himself to be persuaded to keep the child. When he discovers the consequences of that decision he is torn when honour and duty call for the child to be returned to the mother who still grieves her loss. I admired Tom for many reasons, not the least being his genuine emotional turmoil and strength of character.
Isabel is quite young when she marries Tom and moves to the Rock. She is feisty and headstrong but has a naivete and vulnerability that is endearing. I could not help but sympathise with her as she mourned her lost children, having experienced several miscarriages myself, and identified with her joy over the miraculous gift of Lucy. When Isabel's world falls apart I was horribly torn for Hannah is equally, perhaps even more, as deserving of sympathy. Isabel's violent reaction to Tom is shocking, if understandable and her final choice is a brave, if heart rending one.
It is rare that young children have well formed character in novels but Stedman achieves this in The Light Between Oceans. Lucy is as skillfully created and whole as the adult protagonists.

Stedman captures the unique atmosphere of time and place. Set in the aftermath of World War One her characters are reeling from the losses of the war. In the tiny town of Port Partaguese many of the boys and men who went to fight never returned and those that did, were forever changed. Isabel grieved her adored brothers and her miscarriages compound her sense of loss. She senses what proves to be true, that a grandchild will help heal her own parents broken hearts. For Tom, the memories of war, of death and destruction, are soothed by life on Janus Rock and Isabel's love, but are never far from his mind.
The author creates a spectacular atmosphere on Janus Rock, the tiny island that houses the lighthouse cared for by Tom and Isabel. The isolated splendour of the place is vividly described but Janus Rock is both an idyllic haven and a lonely outcrop. Tom and Isabel have contact with the outside world only once every three months and can return to mainland only once every few years.

The Light Between Oceans is a stunning novel, evocative and lyrical. Rich with emotion, extraordinary characters and story, this is a wonderful read, I happily recommend.

Reviewing for The Circle (Channel 10)(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Kara Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, what a moving book. I was in tears at the end. I really identified with all of Hannah's emotions and actions, even when I knew that they weren't the "right" things to be doing. Tom reminded me of my husband too. A rule follower who would give anything to make me happy and would pay a huge cost so I wouldn't have to pay for my own mistakes. I also loved the way the author wrapped up the story. Excellent novel! Looking forward to more from this author.

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May 18, 2013 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Kathryn by: Bets On Bookreporter

Shelves: bets-on, 2012, national-blue-ribbon-book, favorites

I was planning on giving this book four stars until the last 30 pages or so. The author brought the story together and eventually to a close so beautifully, so wisely, so touchingly. I must say I've never cried while reading a book, but I came awfully close with this story. It's going to take me some time to move on to another story. Please read this story and see what you think.

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Nov 08, 2012 (Lonestarlibrarian) Keddy Ann Outlaw rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was totally mesmerized by not only the characters, setting (an island off Australia) and plot, but best of all, by the author's use of language. Examples: A boardinghouse landlady is "as stout as a pepper pot." Another character is described as having "a bulldog scowl." It wasn't long before I knew I was in the hands of a talented writer.

Another appeal factor is the suspense involved when the lighthouse keeper, Tom Sherbourne, and his wife Isabel decide to keep a baby that washes ashore in a b...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Elaine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This book was amazing. Totally heart wrenching. Probably one of the best books I've read this year. For the last 140 pages I could not put it down and I could not stop crying. I just bawled my way right to the end!!! Brilliant first novel.

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May 19, 2013 Suzanne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: did-not-finish

I just can’t do this. Halfway through, but cannot go on. There are people waiting for this library copy, and the library is calling it back in, so I am going to relinquish it to someone who actually wants to read it.

Given the moral choices that form the heart of the plot, this could have been a much better book, if it were, you know, well-written. Apart from the fairly good initial characterization of Tom Sherbourne as a WWI vet suffering from memories of a troubled childhood and PTSD from war...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy, australia, historical-fiction

Last night I was in the mood for something light to read at bedtime, so I started The Light Between Oceans, a debut novel from expat Aussie M.L. Stedman, and I finished it this morning. It’s a page-turner.

It was, according to the publisher, the subject of a bidding war, and my guess is that it’s already been optioned for film, too. Probably a three-hankie film.

But that’s because it’s very good at what the story tries to do. It asks the question, who wins, when competing claims for a child’s love...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Veronica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the very first chapter, I knew I would love this book.

The Light Between Oceans is a stunning debut novel by M.L. Stedman. The entire novel and story unravels beautifully with nary a stutter or stumble.

Tom Sherbourne, a WWI vet is struggling to understand why his life was spared when all his friends have died in the war. Wanting to lead a quiet, lonely life with only his thoughts, he decides to take a post at an out of the way lighthouse. Upon arriving in Point Partageuse he meets and falls...more

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Jun 08, 2013 Rebecca Skane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, general-fiction, tearjerker

Throughout my read, I had the compulsion to put down the book every so often and hug my kids. Full review: The Light Between Oceans Book Review.

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Feb 25, 2013 Aras Redan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: good-on-my-shelves

Out of all the approximate 300 books I've read, 'The Light Between Oceans' was definitely one of the most emotional and moving ones, and I only have around 5 of those including this one.

Tom Sherbourne decides to become a lighthouse keeper in hopes of escaping his past as a soldier in WW1, and he is soon joined by his wife Isabel, who suffers through three miscarriages until the 'miracle' happens. One day, a boat washes up onto their shore, bringing with it a body of a dead man and more remarkab...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Owen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: australia, australian-lit, historical-fiction, western-australia

Excellent first novel by an Australian writer who has quickly found the knack of combining intricate prose and plot with a realistic natural world. It is a world that we can easily imagine, but never really experience first hand. The story is partly set on a remote island where three of the main characters are isolated for lengthy periods in what is at times an idyll, and at others, a false world bearing no relation to that of the distant mainland. These two worlds eventually clash, giving the n...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Jana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-club, audible

5/4/13: I may get in trouble for this rating (1 lowly star at the time of this writing). But my reaction to this book is that I wanted to strangle each and every character in it for their bad decisions. (Ya, I realize that would also be a bad decision on my part, but we're talking fictional strangle only). I can't find an example of a smart move by any of the main characters.

Uggghhhhh.

Book club next Monday. I'm interested to see if I'll be the lone dissenter on this one.

UPDATE 6/4/13: The day af...more

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