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The Light Between Oceans
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Stedman, M.L. - The Light Between Oceans - Start Date: March 22nd
8) We learn some interesting facts about lighthouses. I never knew they gave out different bursts of light to let the ships know which lighthouse they are from a distance. Did you like this information?I knew nothing about lighthouses, so I found the information very interesting. I'm glad the author included it, because I like to learn new facts.
9) I thought it was cute how Izzy went around naming things. She was making the place a home. Do you think this kind of shows a pattern between the two? He lets her do as she likes and she becomes attached to things too quickly? I think he'd do anything for her. It kind of reminded me a little of Eve with the apple. :)
I thought it was cute also, how Izzy named everything, but again, to me it played into her childlike nature/personality. I do think, Tom let's her do as she pleases, I think he is just so in love with her, and amazed that he found someone to love him.
10) Is anyone besides me a little confused about what happened to Tom's mom? It sounds like his parent got divorced, but what was the scene when he was eight and all those men swarmed the house? Is he confusing scenes from war with his childhood memories?
I'm sure we will find out, at least I hope so. I got the impression that she may have been unfaithful, a woman of "loose morals". Something like that anyways.
11) There is a lot of emphasis being put on how meticulous a lighthouse keeper must be. Do you think the log book will ultimately be their downfall? They even included a picture of it in front and back of my book.
I'm reading on my Kobo, so I didn't get any pictures, but yes I wonder if the log book will play in the future. I think it bothers Tom, that blank space, and it is weighing on his mind.
12) "You know Janus is where the word January comes from. It's named after the same god as this island. He's got two faces back to back."(...)
"What's he god of?"
"Doorways. Always looking both ways, torn between two ways of seeing things."
Could this accurately describe Tom or Izzy in regards to the baby situation? Is this their "Janus" Point (ie Crossroads)?
Yes, definitely this is Tom's "Janus". He is conflicted with keeping Lucy. I'm sure he has fallen in love with her, and loves to see Izzy so happy, but I believe it is eating away at him.
Questions for Chapter 12- Chapter 1813. Tom is really not happy with the whole baby snatching. Who could blame him. Do you think his attitude towards Lucy and Isabel is going to change?
I think it has already affected his relationship with Isabel. I would imagine it will affect his relationship with Lucy too. Even if it is only in small ways. It is starting to eat at him and that sort of stuff has a way of spilling into the rest of your life.
14. How terrible! It would be really hard to find out your son died by receiving a box of his things! I really got a feel for how the war was cruel in so many different ways. Thoughts? Do you think it makes it worse that Isabel is using this as an excuse to keep Lucy?
War is horrible. It takes such a toll in ways that people are never ready for, because how can you ever be ready for something like that? I think that Isabel using it is complicated. She has so much grief from losing her brothers and then realizing how much it affected her parents. But I think that Isabel would use whatever she could to keep Lucy. She wants Lucy to stay and whatever she needs to tell herself to keep Lucy is what she will do.
15. We found out who Lucy's mother is and that Lucy's name is actually Grace Ellen. I can't believe Tom is still continuing to hide the child or Lucy for that matter. Are you surprised no one seems to have made a connection? Wouldn't the baby have looked like Hannah or Franz?
I don't think the baby would look like anyone. Babies tend to have such pudgy faces. I think when she is older is when people might start recognizing how much she looks like Hannah or Franz. I am not surprised that Tom is still keeping Lucy's true identity a secret. Once you make a decision like that it is easier to keep the lie going than to admit to all your friends and family that you did something that will be seen as horrible.
16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy(Isabel)? Do you think it could have been someone else?
I think it was Tom. Tom is the one who is fighting most with his conscience and Tom is the one considering telling everyone the truth. I don't think Isabel could leave the note. She just can't let anyone figure it out. I think she would have a mental breakdown if Lucy was taken away from her.
17. Seeing poor Hannah's side of the story is just heartbreaking! Poor Frank! He died trying to save himself and his baby from a mob of crazy people. I was shocked by the townspeople and their hatred after all of that time. Do you think there will be a happy ending to this book?
No, I don't think there will be a happy ending. Right now I can't conceive of a happy ending.
18. How do you think Lucy will feel when she finds out that Tom and Isabel stole her? Do you think she will still love Tom? Is this what keeps Tom from telling the truth?
I think Tom is not telling to protect Isabel more than Lucy. I don't know how Lucy will respond. I would assume she will go through a phase of hating both of them for depriving her of her biological family and lying to her for so long, but I don't know how long that will last and how deep it would go.
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
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yes! glad I'm not the only one! (on both counts - his age and the scene)
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
Didn't make me think differently of the father, as in those days infidelity meant divorce and the woman not seeing her kids. To be honest I'm not sure what impact this has on Tom as he is so closed to his emotions
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
Yes, but I guess that ties in the reason for that scene in the beginning! I absolutely thought Hannah would recognise her. Being surrounded by babies at the moment I find it easier to recognise who belongs to whom... they have pudgy faces, but still are like mini-dads, and seeing that Lucy's dad would have been so recognisable with his arian looks, I thought she would definitely see a resemblance. It is strange no-one has thought about a connection, but I guess everyone thinks Hannah is mad to believe her daughter survived.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
She is selfish. If this book was set in a more modern time I would despise her. The only empathy I have is because she was clearly mentally ill after the miscarriages and isolation
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
I think it shows that they really haven't prepared her for life, but have cocooned her at Janus. I felt this scene was to show they can't continue to hide her away. I remember being lost when I was about 6/7 years old. Very traumatic!! The stress is certainly showing between Tom and isabel
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey? No, I think that it is impossible for him to talk to Tom as it will be a few more months and it is hard to have that on your conscience for that long. The money also brings a sense of urgency! I don't know that Bluey thought it could be possible, it is like he thinks he will report it but a reasonable explanation will be given
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
No, I knew it was him, but this is the part where I just found this book so uncomftable to read. I don't have words to descibe how despicable I thought Tom was in leaving that second leter and the rattle. He doesn't have the gumption to put things right, so leaves another letter for the mum with some evidence, so that the issue will be forced without him having to actually report himself and Isabel. So so so so so cowardly and disgusting. That poor mother (Hannah)! It is like having your baby kidnapped and then over the years the kidnappers leaving notes for you to say the baby is ok. So wrong on so many levels!!!! (In case you haven't picked up on it, this made me so mad I can spit! lol!)
At this point there is just no happy ending. Although the writer tries to make us have empathy for Isabel and Tom, if you look at the situation as a kidnapping / forced adoption.. there is really no option here but to reunite lucy with her birth mother.
Karen wrote: "QUESTION - Did anyone else notice the reference to mercury poisoning at the end of chapter 14 and wonder if that is responsible for Isabel's miscariages? Does it make Tom's decision to agree to kee..."I didn't give it much thought. But there were times in this book were I did think that things wouldn't have been different if Isabel was with her parents at the times she was pregnant but then I thought if the problem was with her nothing could have prevented the miscarriages but now I am sad to know that none of them thought of this before it was too late.
19. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?I did think Bluey was young because at the beginning he asked Tom all about the war which kind of betrayed his age. I found it ironic that Bluey asked Tom for marital advice exactly at the time when his own marriage was in the rocks. May be the whole scene was written in to make Tom realize the truth about his marriage and commitment
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
Now that I know why Tom's parents split I can see things from Tom's father's point of view. What ever he did he did to protect Tom but getting that locket might have made him realize whatever may be her faults his mother loved him and his dad had no right to keep that away from him. Which is in some way similar to his situation with Lucy.
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
I was holding my breath along with Tom and Isabel when Hannah me Lucy. Tom and Isabel did make a very solid case so it is understandable that no one suspected their claim with out any proof
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
Me too. I was sad to see her transformation from a loving girl to a selfish women but considering the things she had to go through and the things she lost I couldn't judge her to harshly. It is hard to reconcile that this is the very same girl who walked around the island and made a map of the whole place for Tom.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
I was once went to a beach with my parents and my dad and I went for a walk. Later he saw a friend and stopped to talk to him and pointed me in a direction and told me my mom was waiting for me. I walked in the worng direction and got lost. I still remember the fear and sadness I felt at not being able to find my parents. Later my grandmother found me on the basis of the clothes I was wearing and the balloon I was holding. I kept flashing back to that moment at time in this book. I don't know what would have happened if my grandmother hadn't found me. Curiously my parents don't remember that incident which is making me think they knew all along where I was in the beach and didn't know that I was thinking myself lost. I do think this whole thing is going to change Isabel and Tom for good.
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
I would have talked to Isabel and Tom first after all they were my friends and I would think twice before making an accusation like that. Though I couldn't really fault Bluey for not standing up to his mother.
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
I thought it was Isabel who was writing the letters but finding out it was Tom makes much more sense. I think Lucy and Isabel are going to be separated eventually because of Tom's guilt. Is it just me or does any one else feel sad when Tom calls Lucy Littlie because I can feel the love he has for her in that one word.
Laura wrote: "I did notice the mercury poisoning, but I didn't make the connection between that and Isabel's problems. This seems like a possible reason. I feel like I need to look into this more."
I don't know if that's the cause. They take Lucy to the lighthouse, I don't think Tom will risk her health that way, but, back in the twenties they didn't have the same notions of toxin transference like we do.
I'm a little behind but will hopefully catch up soon!Questions for Chapter 12- Chapter 18
13. Tom is really not happy with the whole baby snatching. Who could blame him. Do you think his attitude towards Lucy and Isabel is going to change?
I think that he will always be torn between the two....knowing that what they did was wrong but having the love of a child.
14. How terrible! It would be really hard to find out your son died by receiving a box of his things! I really got a feel for how the war was cruel in so many different ways. Thoughts? Do you think it makes it worse that Isabel is using this as an excuse to keep Lucy?
I don't think that it's a good excuse. But yes, it was really terrible for Isabel's mom to find out about her son's death like that.
15. We found out who Lucy's mother is and that Lucy's name is actually Grace Ellen. I can't believe Tom is still continuing to hide the child or Lucy for that matter. Are you surprised no one seems to have made a connection? Wouldn't the baby have looked like Hannah or Franz?
I was wondering if someone would recognize Lucy, as Grace. Isabel is very convincing and really wants to make her happy. I thought for sure when they found out about the mom still being alive that he'd have a change of heart.
16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy? Do you think it could have been someone else?
I'm thinking Tom sent the note.
17. Seeing poor Hannah's side of the story is just heartbreaking! Poor Frank! He died trying to save himself and his baby from a mob of crazy people. I was shocked by the townspeople and their hatred after all of that time. Do you think there will be a happy ending to this book?
I was surprised too....I think I was most surprised that there were police out that night watching and they didn't do anything. I'm thinking there's not going to be a happy ending to the book, as much as I'd like there to be.
18. How do you think Lucy will feel when she finds out that Tom and Isabel stole her? Do you think she will still love Tom? Is this what keeps Tom from telling the truth?
I guess we're assuming that she finds out?? Which I guess she eventually will. It will be hard. She will have grown up loving these people as parents. I'm not sure you can just cut yourself off and stop loving them.
Karen wrote: "QUESTION - Did anyone else notice the reference to mercury poisoning at the end of chapter 14 and wonder if that is responsible for Isabel's miscariages? Does it make Tom's decision to agree to kee..."Wow! Didn't even pick up on that, but now that you point it out, I think it could definitely be a possible cause of her miscarriages!
Mod
Questions for Chapter 19 - Chapter 2419. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?
No, he asked Tom about the war and there have been a few other times where he gave away his age. I am not surprised he asked Tom for marital advice. I think Bluey looks up to Tom and he wanted an opinion from someone who would not tell his boss about his possibly leaving.
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
I figured out that Tom's mom had probably cheated on her husband already. I think that not having his mom around and feeling guilty about her leaving affected Tom. I think that Tom can understand both points of view, Hannah and Isabel's, but that just makes things more confusing and difficult for him.
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
I was not shocked. I mean it makes it harder for Tom, but once they had the seen where she introduces herself as the women he helped on the boat I figured she was going to end up being Hannah.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
I think that Isabel is ill. I can't begin to imagine how hard it would be to lose three babies and then to blame yourself for losing them. And then to think that adoption really isn't an option for you. I think she acting very selfishly, but I can sympathize with her. I just hope that she gets some counseling at some point. I kept thinking she was going to jump when they were on the cliff.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
I have never lost a kid for more than a few minutes. I would be a wreck if I lost a kid for more than that. I was never lost as a kid. I don't think that losing Lucy was the beginning of the end. I think seeing Hannah was the beginning of the end. Because Tom can't handle it anymore. And Isabel realizes that Tom is wavering and that she can't show her worries, because Tom will decide they have to tell if she shows any indecision.
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
That is such a hard decision. I think I would tell. I hope I would. And I would probably tell without saying anything to Tom or Isabel. Because they would make Bluey feel guilty about turning them in. Not to mention all that money. I would not do it for the money, but that kind of money changes lives. Bluey would never have that kind of money on his own.
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
I suspected Tom was writing the letters. I would imagine that Tom will end up in jail. The question to me is what is going to happen to Isabel. Will the police believe the story that Tom made Isabel keep the baby? I am sure Lucy is going back to Hannah.
Questions for Chapter 19 - Chapter 2419. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?
I didn't give much thought to Bluey's age until he mentioned his mom thought he was so young and he was asking Tom for marital advice. I didn't think it was too odd. Ralphie is much older and I just figured he wanted someone's advice/opinion who was closer in age to him and who had more recently been married.
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
No. I felt bad for Tom since he blamed himself for his mom's leaving. His past could make Tom more sensitive to Hannah since he had to grow up without his mom.
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
I was thinking that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy or someone else would make the connection. Especially since they were in such close proximity at the dinner.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
Yes, I'm definitely preferring Tom over Isabel. She does seem very selfish.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
There was a time at a local park when I was walking the track and my son was playing on the playground. Unbenknownst to me, he decided to follow me on the track and when I passed the playground and didn't see him my heart felt like it stopped beating! It was the scariest feeling ever. And then he appeared behind me, running. I can only imagine how Tom and Isabel felt when Lucy could have wandered off anywhere! This definitely seems like the end of their marriage.
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
This is hard. He has known Tom and Isabel for what seems like forever, and says they're like family. But he really needs the money and would like to find a wife and settle down. I think he was influenced by his mother too much and should have kept quiet and thought about what he should do on his own. Because once he mentioned it to his mom, it wasn't his decision anymore. I don't think any less of him. I think I would probably have talked to tom and Isabel first though.
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
No, I kind of figured it was him. He was feeling too guilty. I think Lucy will be returned to Hannah and it's the end for Tom and Isabel. He'll probably go to jail, like he thinks. Lucy is old enough now that I don't think she'll go willingly to Hannah. And she only knows Isabel as her mother, so I don't think things are going to go as smoothly as Hannah is planning.
Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 2726. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
I am sorry that I have not responded much to your answers.I have enjoyed reading all of your responses and hope that my allergies will leave me alone long enough to respond to some of them later.
Questions for Chapter 12- Chapter 1813. Tom is really not happy with the whole baby snatching. Who could blame him. Do you think his attitude towards Lucy and Isabel is going to change?
I'm not sure if his actual feelings will change for Lucy, as he can't help but love her. I think his feelings may change for Izzy.
14. How terrible! It would be really hard to find out your son died by receiving a box of his things! I really got a feel for how the war was cruel in so many different ways. Thoughts? Do you think it makes it worse that Isabel is using this as an excuse to keep Lucy?
It must have been so horrible to learn about your childs death like that. Especially when you thought he was still alive. Yes I agree, just one more way that war is so horribly cruel. I think Isabel will try to use any excuse to justify her actions.
15. We found out who Lucy's mother is and that Lucy's name is actually Grace Ellen. I can't believe Tom is still continuing to hide the child or Lucy for that matter. Are you surprised no one seems to have made a connection? Wouldn't the baby have looked like Hannah or Franz?
I was surprised that Tom and Isabel didn't fall on their knees and confess right away. There is no way I could look the real mother in the eye without blurting out the truth. I did wonder why no one seemed to suspect that the baby didn't look like Isabel or Tom, but I guess it would seem like such an unimaginable act that it just didn't cross anyone's mind.
16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy? Do you think it could have been someone else?
I'm not sure who left the note. Somethimes I think maybe Tom, or maybe even Ralph. I also wonder if it could be Isabel's parents. I definitely don't think it was Isabel.
17. Seeing poor Hannah's side of the story is just heartbreaking! Poor Frank! He died trying to save himself and his baby from a mob of crazy people. I was shocked by the townspeople and their hatred after all of that time. Do you think there will be a happy ending to this book?
I am always amazed by unwarranted hatred. I just can never wrap my head around it. Knowing now that Lucy's mom is alive, I just don't see a happy ending being possible.
18. How do you think Lucy will feel when she finds out that Tom and Isabel stole her? Do you think she will still love Tom? Is this what keeps Tom from telling the truth?
I think that at this point Lucy is too young to really grasp what would be happening if they suddenly told her that Tom and Izzy were not her parents. Having 5 kids of my own, I believe children will always love their "parents", because that is just how they are hardwired.
Questions for Chapter 19 - Chapter 2419. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?
No, I actually thought that Bluey was young. I did find it a little ironic, that Bluey was asking for advice on marriage, when Tom was struggling with his.
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
I had a feeling this might have been the case. I think it makes Tom want to find love, real, everlasting love. I also think maybe he allows Isabel to do as she pleases, because he is so afraid of losing her love.
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
I thought it was a nice twist that Hannah was the girl that Tom rescued on the boat. Yes, I am surprised that no one has been able to put two and two together, and figure out Lucy is not Tom and Izzy's daughter, but again, I just think it seems to be so unimaginable, that no one could ever think something like that could happen.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
I have to agree with you. Yes I can understand her initial decision to keep Lucy, because she was still so distraught over her latest miscarriage (she was still producing milk). I feel though, as time went on, she should have come to her senses, listened to Tom and done the right thing, especially after meeting Hannah.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
Yes I experienced being lost myself as a child, and also losing a child (the school actually lost him, and informed me afterwards), both were utterly terrifying. I do feel like this is a turning point in the story.
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
I would definitely have talked to Tom and Isabel first, before just turning them in. I could not do something like that for money, but I also understand that he is young, and not a strong person. He is basically bullied by his mother. It seems like once he mentioned it to her, it was game over.
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
Well, I did suspect that maybe it was Tom, since he was so torn up about doing the right thing. I don't think anyone is going to have a happy ending, everyone will end up being hurt.
Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 2726. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?
I think the only people on Tom's side are his lawyer, Ralph, and Bluey. Everyone else did not know him enough or have loyalties elsewhere.
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
I feel bad for everyone involved. They are all going to be marred by this experience. Some longer than others. But ultimately I think they are all victims of a bad choice made under bad times. I actually feel more sympathy for Isabel now than at the beginning of the book. At the beginning it was just selfish, now I can see how much grief she has experienced and how it has messed with her mind.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
I am not surprised at all by Isabel's behavior. She doesn't see that she did anything wrong and changing that self-image seems impossible at this moment. I feel for Tom, but I think that his fate is sealed I don't think he will ever say a bad word about Isabel and I don't think he is doing it because he has faith in her. I think he is doing it because he doesn't want to cause her any more pain.
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
I am really worried about Tom. I think, without Isabel's testimony and if he doesn't change his story, he hangs.
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
I think it is good to give Grace-Lucy closure. Right now her "parents" just disappeared. And on top of that she has never met any of the people who are now caring for her. I hope that she can start to be ok with Hannah. It is so hard on everyone right now.
Mod
To be honest I lost a bit of interest at this point. I was still seething about Tom... and then about Isabel not speaking out and admitting the truth
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this. I agree, there are so many victims. However, Tom and Lucy took someone's baby and then when they knew her mother was they continued to keep quiet. So they are kidnappers. I feel bad for Isabel as she is clearly mentally ill, but I can't condone her behaviour. The worst part of this is how the seperation happened with Lucy. That should have been done quite differently. The poor little thing.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
No, I think Isabel is torn with grief. She has lived in a bubble, pretending that Lucy was her baby and is extremely angry at Tom. I understand, but she needs help
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going? Yes, thank godness. But Isabel needs to speak up. Tom doesn't deserve to die.
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice? For the time, yes. Lucy/Grace needs to be with her new family....But they are acting like Lucy and her life didn't exist and that is wrong. They need to be explaining to her she is in a new family now. Unfortunately child psychology wasn't available back then!
Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 2726. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?
Sergean Spragg reminds me of all the "bully" cops you see on today's tv shows. He thinks by intimidating Tom, he's going to get a confession. Vernon Knuckey on the otherhand, is gentler. He believes that honesty will prevail. He also knows Isabel, has the connection of familiarity. I don't think Vernon knows what to make of Tom, and I'm not sure if anyone will stand up for him.
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
I agree, it is hard to feel sorry for Isabel at this point. I did in the beginning, and I could understand her reasons for taking Lucy, but now that the "cat's out of the bag", it is time for her to step up and admit the truth. Being a naturally sympathetic person in real life, my heart is breaking for everyone touched by this story. They are all suffering, from Lucy, to Tom, Isabel, her parents, Hannah, everyone.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
I understand why Tom is protecting Isabel. He feels so responsible for the whole incident. He knows he was the stronger person at the time they found Lucy, and it was his responsibility to report it. He loves Isabel to no end, and won't betray her. I am not surprised by Isabel's actions, as I have found her to be weak and selfish, and again almost childlike, since the beginning of the book.
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
I am so glad that Ralph is standing by Tom, he needs a voice of reason and someone in his corner. I'm not sure how this is going to turn out for Tom, it's definitely not looking good for him. I keep yelling at him (in my head so my family doesn't think I'm totally crazy, lol), to confess and get it over with.
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
I think the doctor's advice is awful!! Drug the kid, she will forget. Don't talk about it, ignore the situation and she will eventually forget about it!! Unfortunately, I believe that he is doing what he thinks is best. We have much more information than he did in the era the book was written in, so I don't think he is incompetent, just doing what he thinks is best for Lucy with his limited knowledge of dealing with a situation that would have been unheard of from that time.
26. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?Someone has to be on his side. Otherwise this story is going to reach a whole new level of sadness. But since I have read forward I know there is someone on Tom's side
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
I just wanted Hannah to give Lucy back but that would be so wrong as she has nothing else to live by. But seeing the way Lucy, Tom and Isabel suffers I just want a solution that will solve everyone's problem which is highly unlikely. I am starting to hate Isabel but everytime I do that I remember the girl she was and I feel angry at the situation.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
Yes, I am surprised at her actions. But the way Tom is acting is consistent with his character
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
At the time I did not and I was relieved when Ralph stood by Tom. I will refrain from answering this in detail as I know what will happen.
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
I wanted to strangle the doctor. His suggestion was complete nonsense. He is advising Hannah to take away a 4 year old from the people she love and trust and keep her locked up. That is not at all sound advice. I think he should have advised Hannah to take the child to Isabel atleast until she becomes familiar with Hannah
Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 3231. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 3231. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?
I think he did the right thing. His friend asked him to relay a message.
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
I feel so bad for Hannah. If I was Hannah I would hate Isabel with all my might. If I saw her in the store and my child ran to her like that. I would have probably punched her. Not that that would have been the right thing to do, but I would not have been able to handle the woman who stole my baby telling me that I don't know what is best for her. OMG I am still pissed about it!
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
I like him. He cares for his family and tries to roll with the punches.
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
so mad, so mad.
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
Lucy-Grace is so confused right now. Letting her see Isabel and then making her lie about it is just hurting her. I would never do that. And if my sister did that to me. I would probably move to another state.
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
I honestly can't predict this one. A part of me thinks he will just go down with the ship. He doesn't want to hurt Isabel any more.
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
I think she did. And I think that it will be her undoing. The police will finally realize what really happened and Isabel will probably snap.
Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 3231. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?
Yes I think it was the right thing to do. It was the least he could do after turning Tom and Isabel in. I don't think he necessarily made it worse, I just think it was very awkward between them.
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
Of course I feel for Hannah, she has lost so much and has been through so much. I think she needs to put Lucy first though. She should realize that a clean break, was just too harsh, too much of a shock for little Lucy.
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
I didn't want to like Septimus, but I think that he is really just trying to make Lucy feel more "normal". Not someone who is torn between two mothers. I think he truly loves her, and wants what is best for her.
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
I was not surprised by the run in at Mouchemore's, I figured in such a small town it would be inevitable. I was heartbroken, because it was obviously so painful for everyone involved. I just keep seeing little Lucy being pulled off her mother, while she screams to be left with Isabel. The description of how she ran to Isabel, wrapped her legs around her waist, and buried her face in her neck. As a parent, I can remember just how that felt when I had been away, or one of the kids was hurt or upset. It was wonderfully written.
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
To be honest, I am not sure I would have done what Gwen did. I know I would have been very tempted, but in the long run, I think it is just hurting both Lucy and Isabel. That's the problem with this story, there are no clear black and white answers, everything is just gray.
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
I am not sure if he will even turn in Isabel. His love is too strong for her, and his guilt over what he did is just too strong. I hope that Isabel will come to her senses and tell the truth. Look how much Tom stands to lose if she does not.
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
I think she may have, but I am not completely sure. She does not have the means to really run away with her.
I just read the book in the last two days, so can I just leave my general thoughts here, without answering all the questions?I can't be the only one who didn't get angry. Frustrated, yes, but not angry. Because I cannot blame a single person for doing a single thing they did. I don't blame Izzy for keeping Lucy from the start: she was obviously grief-stricken and mentally ill from a number of factors. The miscarriages and the isolation means that I can't even say for certain whether or not I would have done the same things under the same circumstances.
And poor Tom: wants to do what's right for his wife, would do anything to keep her happy, but he's also such a good man and just...wants to do what's right in general. I don't blame him for sending Hannah the note or the rattle, though I agree with what Karen said about how devastating and cruel that was for Hannah, I understand why he sent it. He felt like she had a right to know, even if it was a cowardly way of telling her.
Karen wrote: 16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy? Do you think it could have been someone else?
"This made me SOOOOO angry. Bloody Tom! Imagine the torment and pain at getting a letter to say your baby is alive, but somewhere else?? Just so incredibly cruel and selfish of him. I believe it is Tom because of how they describe the writing, and he is the only one that has any guilt. He is also emotionally damaged from the war, and unbelievably doesn't realise how selfish it is of him to do this. Just trying to make himself feel better, but has made Hannah's life even more excruciating. Imagine looking around the corner constantly for your baby and everyone thinking you have gone mad."
And then, his trying to take the fall for her just went to show that love makes you do crazy things. He wanted to protect Izzy and I understand that.
And Gwen, for allowing Lucy to see Izzy. I have no idea if that was a good thing for the emotional and psychological stability of the child, but she saw that Lucy was miserable. If I were Gwen, I, too, would have tried to persuade Hannah to let the child see the only "mother" she knew.
Actually, the entirety of Part 3 was miserable and hopeless and there was no solution. Everyone was just sort of stuck being miserable and there was no one to blame. I know why everyone made the choices they made: because they were doing what they thought was right at the time. I never got angry at anyone, I just felt hopeless for all of them.
I'm wondering if my reading is so different from everyone else's here simply because I'm not mother.
Good on Stedman for writing such an incredibly heart-wrenching story with such believable characters.
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32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
Heartbreaking. She needs to find a way to explain the situation to Lucy/Grace
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
I really like him too. He seems to have a better idea of how to handle things
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most? Oh, so horrible. It was bound to happen in such a small town
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes? I understand why she is doing it, but it is wrong. Too much pressure to put on a 4 year old
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses? No, he is sticking to his guns on this, and I actually admire him for it
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did! Yes it does! And I did think that
I had to finish the book last night. I couldn't leave it with Lucy-Grace unaccounted for. And I cried through the whole last 15 pages. Stedman really knows how to write a book!
@ SophiaThank you for participating! We always welcome your thoughts and comments. It is okay if you don't answer the questions. It is not required.
I can see why you didn't feel angry. I think I felt angry, not because I am a mother, but because Isabel not once thought of someone other than herself. Also, I have a very high moral code. It makes it difficult for me to understand anything that people do when they know it is morally wrong, regardless of their mental state or reasons.
I love hearing everyone's thoughts and opinions! It makes reading the book that much more enjoyable and makes books that I think are terrible become tolerable.
Questions for Chapter 33- End38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I must be the only one who didn't like this book. I tried! Also, I'm sorry I haven't participated much in this discussion. It's been a week. I might as well answer the last set. :-)Questions for Chapter 33- End
38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
Hannah is the only character I felt any sympathy for the entire book. There was no way I wanted her to give up her daughter to Isabel! True, Lucy wanted to be with Isabel, but then imagine Lucy growing up and someday finding out that Isabel stole her away from her real mother (and you know she would find out somehow). How would that feel, to learn that your "mother" had done that?
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
Not really. I knew this book had to end "well" somehow. Unfortunately, it didn't redeem Isabel's character, in my opinion. That she could even contemplate letting her husband hang for murder...
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
I'm not sure. I asked myself this a little while ago and I couldn't come up with an answer.
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
I don't know about retribution, but I did think it was right, that she not be allowed to see Lucy-Grace.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
I didn't find it satisfying, but I don't really know why. I think part of me wishes Isabel had been punished more severely. I never really saw any real guilt from her over taking Lucy-Grace away from Hannah to begin with. Maybe because she never felt guilty? I don't know.
I mean, okay. She keeps Lucy at first because, perhaps, she honestly believes the mother is dead (although that line "What woman would let her baby out of her sight?" is illogical and nonsensical). But then, after knowing Lucy has a real mother out there, one with a heartbreaking story no less, she claims it's best for Lucy to keep up the deception - the child-stealing? No, just no. This woman gets no sympathy from me.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I didn't like it. Perhaps my expectations were too high. The book didn't feel very real to me. For instance, while on Janus, Lucy is the most well-behaved, perfect child in the history of children. She says the right things at the right moments and would never think of throwing a tantrum. Why? So we'll adore her and sympathize with Tom and Isabel, of course. So we'll forget about the fact that these people kidnapped a child. I felt like the author kept throwing stuff at me, saying "This book is sad. You will cry now." None of it had any real depth, at least not to me. Again, though, I'm probably the only one who felt this way. The book has glowing reviews on Goodreads, so my reaction (two stars) is in the minority.
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Desperate Hannah is just trying to make her daughter happy. So heartbreaking. If she had given Lucy 'back' it would have really screwed Hannah up I think. (and Lucy later in life if she found out the truth)
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
I was just thankful!!
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
I honestly don't know. I think she did it for her husband and Lucy-Grace and in that respect it was the right thing to do
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution? Not retribution, but it was the right outcome. I like that Lucy-Grace says she didnt understand what they did until she had a baby of her own. I can completely relate to that.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
No, I think it was the right ending. Although I was a bit surprised that Lucy-Grace sought them out. It would have taken alot of courage to do that.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I found this a really hard book to rate. I thought the writing was beautiful, poetic and depicted life in that time really well. But due to the subject matter I really didn't enjoy the book and couldn't give it more than 3 stars.
Karen wrote: "@ Mary - I understand where you are coming from. I gave it 3 stars as although I didn't enjoy the book, I appreciate the emotions the writer made us feel through a difficult story. I think once I l..."You're right! Definitely a good book for discussion if we all have such different opinions of it. Stolen, one of our January BOMs, was like that.
@ MaryI gave it a three star rating as well (I accidentally rated it four stars at first). I thought she did a good job with the writing, but I just couldn't get past the story.
I agree, Isabel was a despicable person. I did feel a twinge bad about Tom, but he still should have reported the child missing, no matter how his relationship with his wife was going to be. I did sympathize with Hannah the most of them all. Her life was pretty rough.
Questions for Part One-Chapter Five1. This author definitely knows how to grab your attention. First thing, we have a boat with a dead man and a baby. Do you agree with what Isabel and Tom did by not reporting the incident immediately? What about the dead man and his family? I feel sorry for Isabel (with the miscarriages), but I feel she went to far. Thoughts?
Ok..so I think the boat, and the dead man should have been reported..at the very least. I think it was a very difficult decision to not report anything.
2. We get to see a picture of the carnage of war. What did you think about the gambling scene? Do you think being in a war makes it ok to do things of this nature to women? I understand that they go through a lot, but this seemed a bit much.
No..I don't think it is an excuse, unfortunately, everyone has excuses for bad behavior, and I don't think it will change any time soon :( it is true, sometimes men(and women) return from war, and have seen such destruction, that they are beyond reason..so no..I don't think it was a bit much..it simply showed the damage done by the ravages of war
3. Mrs. Mewett is something else, and that dinner with the Harbormaster was interesting as well. What did you think of all the Point of Partageuse townspeople? Who stood out to you the most?
I liked Captain Addicot...I thought he was a very stand-up person. In general, when you live in a small town, it is hard to keep things from the general public, and this was a small town where everyone knew everything...unfortunately. it also made it hard to then bury the past, and to apologise for past indescretions...ie..the public humiliation of Hannah and Frank(because he was Austrian)
4. It sounds like Janus is a very lonely and isolated place. Would you be able to go and spend six months at a time by yourself, tending a lighthouse? Do you think this will help Tom deal with his war time problems or make them worse?
I think I might welcome the solitude.. he was not totally isolated...he could get telegraph messages..via morse code...and therefore..if the need arose, could call for help. it is definitely a very stressfull and extensive job to have had....and taking care of it all alone would have been much like being a single parent. I think it may have helped him in some small way....because he could work out all his frustrations by doing a good day's work....his brain would not be thinking about the war
5. What do you make of Isabel before getting married to Tom? What did you make of their romance and the cute little letter she wrote? How do you feel about her when you compare what you know she does in the future, with how she is before she is married?
I think Isabel was a little pushy...she was likeable, but definitely had a rebelliousness in her. I don't think she would have been happy married to any other man..because she thought there would be no adventure
6. Do you think Tom's inability to share his past with Isabel is going to become a problem in their marriage? Are you surprised that Isabel is so forward? She doesn't really know that much about Tom.
I think his past was simply too difficult for him to articulate, and much too painful. not just the war memories, but his whole childhood as well. I think in time, he may have opened up...but Isabel kept pushing him for information, which in turn made him clam up even tighter.
7. What do you think so far of the book? How do you feel about the author's writing style? Do you like the way she sets up the book, giving us a glimpse at the key event and then going back and setting it up?
I really enjoyd the book. it is nice when an author opens with some great event, and then goes back in time to tell the story of how that event came about, and then what happened.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 12
8) We learn some interesting facts about lighthouses. I never knew they gave out different bursts of light to let the ships know which lighthouse they are from a distance. Did you like this information?
I had learnt a little about lighthouses(but forgotten)...how else would sailors have know where they were, unless there was a different signal? I also liked the description of how the light was primed and lit each evening. I found it interesting that the fire could be directed and heated, and then magnified so much.
9) I thought it was cute how Izzy went around naming things. She was making the place a home. Do you think this kind of shows a pattern between the two? He lets her do as she likes and she becomes attached to things too quickly? I think he'd do anything for her. It kind of reminded me a little of Eve with the apple. :)
I thought it made the island more like "home" for Isabel...knowing that everything had a name. it gave her a "map" so to speak...so that she could associate different places with her memories of life there.
10) Is anyone besides me a little confused about what happened to Tom's mom? It sounds like his parent got divorced, but what was the scene when he was eight and all those men swarmed the house? Is he confusing scenes from war with his childhood memories?
11) There is a lot of emphasis being put on how meticulous a lighthouse keeper must be. Do you think the log book will ultimately be their downfall? They even included a picture of it in front and back of my book.
12) "You know Janus is where the word January comes from. It's named after the same god as this island. He's got two faces back to back."(...)
"What's he god of?"
"Doorways. Always looking both ways, torn between two ways of seeing things."
Could this accurately describe Tom or Izzy in regards to the baby situation? Is this their "Janus" Point (ie Crossroads)?
Questions for Chapter 12- Chapter 18
13. Tom is really not happy with the whole baby snatching. Who could blame him. Do you think his attitude towards Lucy and Isabel is going to change?
14. How terrible! It would be really hard to find out your son died by receiving a box of his things! I really got a feel for how the war was cruel in so many different ways. Thoughts? Do you think it makes it worse that Isabel is using this as an excuse to keep Lucy?
15. We found out who Lucy's mother is and that Lucy's name is actually Grace Ellen. I can't believe Tom is still continuing to hide the child or Lucy for that matter. Are you surprised no one seems to have made a connection? Wouldn't the baby have looked like Hannah or Franz?
16. Hmm...we have a mysterious note. Who do you think left it? Do you think it was Tom or Lucy? Do you think it could have been someone else?
Tom....because I Isabel is stuck in her own world....
17. Seeing poor Hannah's side of the story is just heartbreaking! Poor Frank! He died trying to save himself and his baby from a mob of crazy people. I was shocked by the townspeople and their hatred after all of that time. Do you think there will be a happy ending to this book?
18. How do you think Lucy will feel when she finds out that Tom and Isabel stole her? Do you think she will still love Tom? Is this what keeps Tom from telling the truth?
Questions for Chapter 19 - Chapter 24
19. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?
Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 27
26. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 32
31. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
Questions for Chapter 33- End
38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
ok...so I have put all the questions together...so I don't miss any! :)I ahve just started this book...and so far, am enjoying it...will come back to answer as many as I can :)
Questions for Chapter 33- End38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
I would have been so sad if Hannah had given Lucy back. I can't begin to imagine how devastated Hannah would have had to feel in order to even consider doing that. It was just so sad.
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
I was surprised she decided to tell the truth on her own, but I was also very relieved when she did.
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
I don't know if I could have done it. I can be stubborn and hold a grudge. But I am glad Hannah did. Prison never helped anyone.
41. Isabel never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
I don't think it was retribution. I was sad she was never able to see her again. Isabel made a mistake, but she loved that child with her whole heart. I am glad she left a letter. It was sweet.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
I thought it turned out as well as it could. I cried through the last bunch of pages. Ah, I am glad that Tom and Isabel were able to have a happy life afterward. And I am glad that Hannah and Lucy-Grace were able to have a happy life. During parts of the book I thought that everyone was going to be either dead, bitter or in jail for the rest of their life.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I enjoyed the book. It was an emotional roller-coaster for me. I don't know if I would ever read it again. But I am recommending it to people. I gave it 4 stars.
Questions for Chapter 25-Chapter 2726. Sergeant Spragg seems like a real piece of work. Do you think he is going to get his way with the investigation? What about Vernon Knuckey? He seems to be siding with Isabel at the moment. Do you think anyone will be on Tom's side?
No, I think just Ralphie. They all know Isabel and her family so I think they're going to side with them.
27. I find it hard to feel sympathy towards Isabel, but I definitely feel bad for Lucy. Who do you feel for most? Hannah? The Graymarks? Tom or Lucy? There are so many victims in all of this.
There are so many victims so it's hard to pick just one. Like you though I do not feel sympathy towards Isabel. I feel bad for Lucy, being taken away from the only parents she's ever known. And I also feel bad for Hannah. She expected Lucy to just acclimate and love her like nothing had changed. I also feel bad for Tom though that Isabel isn't being cooperative and he's basically sacrificing his life for her.
28. Isabel is frustrating me to no end. If you were Tom, what would you do? Would you have as much faith as he seems to have in Isabel or would you have already told the truth? Are you surprised that Isabel is letting them think that Tom killed Frank?
I wouldn't sit and take it like he's doing, with the excuse she's been through enough! This was her whole plan to begin with that he didn't want to take part in, in the beginning! I'm not very surprised that she's letting Tom take the blame. She's mad that he "let the cat out of the bag" and I think this is her revenge.
29. Thank goodness Tom has Ralph on his side! Do you think he hired the lawyer? What do you think Tom's chances of not hanging are? Are you liking the way things seem to be going?
I don't like how things are looking for Tom. I thought Tom said he didn't want a lawyer from Ralph and I'm not sure if Australia has the same laws as the US where a lawyer is appointed to you if you don't have one.
30. Hannah takes Grace-Lucy to the doctor. What do you make of the doctor's suggestion? Do you think he is giving her good advice?
No, I don't think Lucy's going to be able to just forget her past. And he's telling her to make something up about Tom and Isabel, like they "went away"????!!! So she thinks her "parents" abandonded her??!!!
OK, sorry for falling off the wagon on the last couple sets of questions. I was certainly of a different opinion than Mary (sorry Mary!) but I really enjoyed this book. It was difficult material at parts - I think I was able to empathize a lot more with Tom and Isabel at the beginning because I didn't know the story about the real parents, and so wanted to believe that a ship had been lost at sea or something. By the time Hannah's story was told, I was so engaged with Tom/Isabel/Lucy that I was just completely heartbroken for all of them because there was just no way that it was going to end well for any of them.I did like the end of the book. I thought it was beyond sad that Isabel never got to see Lucy-Grace again. I was so glad that Lucy-Grace did seek out Tom though, so at least he would know she ended up doing OK.
I don't know if I'll read this book again - there are very few books I read twice. But it is one that I think about every now and again, and certainly one I'd recommend to others. I gave it 5 stars due to quality of writing, interesting and engaging topic, and a different formula from so many other books.
Questions for Chapter 28- Chapter 3231. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse?
I think he did the right thing. It was the one thing Tom asked him to do and he was going to carry it out whether he wanted to or not.
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
I'm not sure. She was so desperate to have her daughter back. Maybe they could have eased Lucy into meeting Hannah with visits before having her live there. Lucy was kind of thrown into it which is really hard for a child.
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
I like that he's trying to acclimate Lucy into the family. He could relate to what she is going through.
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
I felt bad that there were others who witnessed the scene that would probably go and gossip about it. It was heart wrenching. No one knew what to do/say and poor Lucy! Being told her parents went away and then seeing her mom in the store. So confusing for a little girl.
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
I think it's helping Lucy and so did Gwen. She saw how the girl was behaving and how difficult a time she was having acclimating. I didn't like the whole "You have to keep it a secret" thing though. I think it puts kids in an unfair situation.
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
I'm hoping Isabel comes to her senses because I don't think Tom will ever give in.
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
I don't think that she did. I know the chapter left off with her thinking about it, but I feel like Lucy ran off on her own.
Questions for Chapter 33- End38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
I thought that Isabel was going to take Hannah up on the bribe and throw Tom under the bus. I was kind of relieved didn't dislike her as much when she ended up telling the truth.
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
I was very surprised that she came to her senses and told the truth. I know how much she wanted Lucy back.
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
I think I would have. I understand her anger at first, but the couple did save the baby. They ultimately lied, but when they did have her they took care of her and loved her.
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
No, in her heart I think she knew that one day Lucy-Grace would come find her or she wouldn't have written the letter and saved all the mementos.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
It was sad but I like that Lucy-Grace went and found Tom. I don't think I would have changed anything.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
It was slow at times but I ended up enjoying it. I gave it 3 stars.
31. So we get to see a bit more of Bluey. Do you think he did the right thing in going to see Isabel? Do you think he made it worse? I think he was trying to redeem himself. I don't think that things could get any more worse than this
32. Poor Hannah. I know she is distraught over Grace-Lucy not warming to her right away. This chapter with Lucy throwing a book at her and then her finding Lucy playing with the pegs must have been hard. Do you think there is anything Hannah could do differently?
She could have given the child time to adjust by introducing her to familiar faces and then trying to assert her claim. But I am speaking from a completely objective point of view. If I was in her shoes I would have done the same
33. I am really beginning to like Septimus. He is trying really hard to make Lucy feel comfortable. How do you feel about him with all that we know?
I think is one of the good and well developed characters in this book
34. The meeting at Mouchemore's was heart wrenching! Were you surprised by it at all? What stuck out to you the most?
Yes it was. Oddly enough I felt sad for Hannah than Isabel.Knowing that your own daughter hates you
35. Gwen is secretly allowing her to see Isabel. Do you think this is helping or hurting them both? Would you have done the same if you were in Gwen's shoes?
It may have helped a little. But I wouldn't have done it if I were in Gwen's shoes. I wouldn't have done it to my sister after watching her suffer all those years.
36. Tom is so frustrating! He is willing to let everyone think badly of him to save Isabel and she won't even read his letter! Ugh! Do you think he is ever going to give in and tell the truth or do you think Isabel is going to come to her senses?
Isabel coming to her senses if more like it.
37. Do you think Isabel took Lucy? It sure sounds like she did!
Yes it does, But that would only make this story more complicated.
38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?I am really surprised. That seems so out of character. She did everything for her daughter and now she is willing to give back the child for revenge..seems so inconsistent. At this point I don't want the child to be given back.
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
No, I was hoping for it.
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
May be. Not sure though
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
Yes, the point that I can't seem to wrap my mind around is why did they not try to adopt another child. I know they only have a minimal chance of getting one but still...Now that they have left Janus Bay they could have tried. Isabel not seeing Lucy Grace was kind of sad.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
Yes, I wish they would have adopted a child of their own but then the author would not have got a sad ending like he hoped for. Everybody would have been happy.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I will rate it 4.5 stars because I tend to give a high rating for the books that make me cry. I will say that the author did a very good job of creating the atmosphere. There were times that I felt like I was actually on a beach. The characters for me kept shifting from likeable to annoying and then back to likeable. There were a number of moments in this book that had me tearing up. The one were the child give her birthday present to Tom and promises to love him forever and ever...being one. I liked this book
They did have criminal records, I am sure. Maybe that would have prevented them from adopting. That is the first thing that I thought.
Mod
Sophia wrote: "I just read the book in the last two days, so can I just leave my general thoughts here, without answering all the questions?I can't be the only one who didn't get angry. Frustrated, yes, but not..."
I also agree with Sophia -- this book didn't really make me angry, but it made me very sad because it was a tragic situation for all involved (most of all Lucy-Grace) (I am also not a mother).
I forgot this group was reading this --- read it for another group --- since most of my answers are the same...I won't be repetitive.
Many are surprised at how "forward" Isabel is with Tom at the beginning, but I think that given the lack of men in the town, it is probably not as surprising. Also, I think that the mindset after experiencing the loss of so many would be to seize the day.
I found their romance very touching as she did manage to bring him out of his shell --- even though she was very naive. I didn't even really fault them when they decided not to report the incident because of all they had already gone through ---- Isabel was certainly distraught and Tom was only trying to keep his wife sane.
However, once they heard the story of Lucy and knew that her mother was still alive, I did begin to feel frustration. Hannah's story was equally tragic and so the last part of the book was sad with the realization that there was not going to be a happy ending.
I did really start to dislike Isabel when she turned on Tom and let the authorities think that he killed Frank. I was actually surprised that she did finally tell the truth as I thought she would do anything to get Lucy back. It is a testament to their love that Tom and Isabel managed to put the whole incident behind them and remain together. I didn't see them as bad people vs good people who made a bad decision.
Overall --- I really like this book as far as creating a time and sense of place that aren't as mainstream. I will certainly look for the next book from this author.
Laura wrote: "They did have criminal records, I am sure. Maybe that would have prevented them from adopting. That is the first thing that I thought."It is sad really that there are many children out there without parents and people like Isabel and Tom who would do anything for a child but unable to get one because law stands in the way.
@JoLene
My thoughts exactly :)
Questions for Chapter 33- End38. Isabel is so frustrating. The fact that Hannah would even try to bribe anyone at this point is also frustrating. What did you make of the bribe? Did you secretly hope that she would give the baby back?
I actually did hope that Hannah would not give Lucky back, but allow Isabel to be in her life on a regular basis. I understand why Hannah made the bribe, so often when something horrible happens, we try to bargain with God. If we get the outcome we want, we will do (fill in the blank). I think she made the promise to God out of desperation and followed through. I also thought it showed a lot of weakness on her part.
39. Isabel finally came to her senses. Were you surprised?
I think I was relieved more than anything. I was also a little surprised, since the entire book was about Isabel doing as she pleased, regardless of the outcome, or who got hurt.
40. Hannah asks for clemency! Would you have been able to do so if you were in the same situation?
I'd like to think that I would have been able to do the same thing. Frank was so very right, that carrying around anger and hate is so exhausting. It is so much better for ourselves, and others, to just let things go. To try to forgive, and get on with our lives.
41. Isable never gets to see Lucy-Grace again and dies of cancer. Did you feel like this was some sort of retribution?
No I actually didn't even think of that. I just thought that it was one more thing, that didn't go her way in life. I would have been much happier (and she fewer tears), if at least she got to see Lucy grown up.
42. What did you think about the ending? Did you wish it had turned out differently?
I liked the ending, I thought that it was fitting, that they led a quiet, simple life together. I do wish that Isabel got to meet Lucy as a grown up. Isabel took her and loved her as her own child, and although her actions backfired and hurt so many people, she never did it out of maliciousness, just her desperate desire to have a baby of her own. I guess I am a very forgiving person, because I am sure not everyone would feel the same, especaially after the havoc her decisions made.
43. What did you think of the book overall? What will you rate it?
I loved the book!! I like books that are so very different (it doesn't feel like the same story recycled). I know that Tom and Isable had their faults and were hard to warm up to, but they were not bad people, just people pushed to their breaking points. I gave the book 4 stars.
I didn't like the book either. Didn't connect with the characters at all, and Isabel's behavior was so wrong that I didn't like her at all and I was hopping for a harder punishment. But, that would hurt Tom, and I empathized with him, his only mistake was to love Isabel and Lucy so much that he went against his principles and honor.To be fair with the book I gave it 3 starts. Not because of the main characters, but because of the effort behind it - the lighthouse explanations, the results of a war so full of loses, the hate and behavior that caused the incident that ended with Frank's death - it gave a real feel to the book. And I liked the support characters too.
Parvathy wrote: "Karen wrote: "QUESTION - Did anyone else notice the reference to mercury poisoning at the end of chapter 14 and wonder if that is responsible for Isabel's miscariages? Does it make Tom's decision t..."That did not occur to me but now it does. My thought was how could Izzy have gone into menopause at such an early age. When Izzy and Tom married she was 19. I calculated and she would have been approximately 26 when she went into premature menopause. Did anyone else notice this?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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19. Were you surprised that Bluey is so young? I pictured him as an older man. I also can't believe that he would ask Tom for marital advice. Did anyone else find this whole scene odd?
20. So Tom's mom was a cheater? Did this make you think differently of Tom's father? Do you think a lot of what has happened in Tom's past makes him more sensitive to Hannah and her feelings?
21. I was shocked to find out that Tom had met Hannah on the boat! Did you think that Hannah was going to recognize Lucy as hers or at least be suspicious? What about her sister? I find it all very hard to believe that no one has made a connection yet.
22. I am finding that even though I felt sorry for Isabel in the beginning, I have started to really dislike her. Anyone else feeling this way? I feel like she is awfully selfish.
23. Lucy getting lost was scary! Have you ever had an experience of being lost or your child getting lost? It seems like this event will be the beginning of the end of Tom and Isabel's marriage. Thoughts?
24. So Bluey has finally figured it out. If you were Bluey, would you have told without talking to Tom and Isabel first or would you have told for the money? Does this make you think any less of Bluey?
25. We find out Tom has been writing the letters to Hannah. Was this a shock? What are your predictions as to what is going to happen to Tom? Lucy and Isabel? Do you think Hannah is going to get the happy reunion that she is thinking of?