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The Light Between Oceans
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Stedman, M.L. - The Light Between Oceans - Start Date: March 22nd
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Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Mar 21, 2013 07:59AM)
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Date Chapters Pages PPDQs*
March 22 1 - 5 1 - 50
March 23 6 - 12 51 - 112
March 24 13 - 18 113 - 166
March 25 19 - 24 167 - 214
March 26 25 - 27 217 - 250
March 27 28 - 32 251 - 299
March 28 33 - end 300 - 343
PPDQs = Person Posting Daily Questions
Oh wow...299 people in line for this at my library...
Whoa. We have 59 holds for 13 copies.
I was able to get this from the library more quickly than I thought...actually TOO quickly because some other people canceled their holds. Is this group read happening in early March?
Kaitlin, the plan right now is actually to have The Light Between Oceans as our last read in March, because it seems to be hard to get ahold of for most people. I think I'm the only one of the mods who has a copy. I think everyone else has an pretty long waiting list at the library. If you need to go ahead and read it, be sure to come back to the thread and discuss it with it us when we start reading!
I have this sitting on my shelf since last October. I've wanted to read this one for a long time :-)
I have a ridiculously long wait at my library (585 with 58 copies), so I think I will just buy it. I have wanted to read it for a while now. Can't wait to get started!
I just finished this one awhile ago - I can't wait for y'all to read it so we can talk about it! I enjoyed the book, I hope you all do too.
I am new so I have a question. Is the idea that we start reading on March 22nd and discuss after march 31st? Obviously I could read earlier if I want to but I am just trying to figure out when I should have it done to participate in the discussion. Thanks!
I'm in! got my copy today from the library - only had to wait a couple weeks (I live in a small town....)
Sheila, we all read each section together (there will be a posting in message #2, that right now says reserved, that will tell us what each day's reading will be (usually around 50 pages), and the moderators will post questions for each day's read. It's really great to read along with everybody at the same pace and the questions usually generate a lot of discussion, more than "it was a good book" or "I liked it" as you find on most other groups :-)
oh, I am glad I asked!
Lára wrote: "I want to read The Light Between Oceans, so I am in. Since I couldn´t get along with The Magicians I miss buddy read... I´m sure this one is better, it sounds more serious, that´s for sure"
The Magicians start was really difficult for me too. Now I'm liking it, is not the best book I've read so far, but it has a slight (and I mean really slight) Harry Potter crosses Chronicles of Narnia but with college students touch. Of course it lacks HP's enthralling or Narnia's adventures appeal.
Sonia, I'm thinking the Magicians is totally Narnia, just revamped for those over 18.
Cathie wrote: "Sonia, I'm thinking the Magicians is totally Narnia, just revamped for those over 18."I completely agree. I don't really like the book and won't be reading the sequel. Oh well, you can't like them all I guess.
I'm hoping to read this one next, it's definitely on my short list!
I'm in for this one. I will just be getting back from vacation, and unfortunately have to work 10 days in a row, but I will try my best to keep up. I bought if for my Kobo, so I am ready to go!! :)
I am in for this one also.
Mod
I'm a bit nervous about this one - sounds like it might be a real tear jerker!!
Mod
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?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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?
Sorry for posting questions late guys. I had a very busy day at work and no time at lunch to post.Lara- Do not worry, you can answer the questions at any time and you will not be taken off the list of participants. :)
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?
I agree that she went too far. Tom was trying to do his job and he was forced to choose between his wife and their livelihood. But yes, definitely an attention-getting opener!
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.
I was very put off by the gambling scene. Thank goodness Tom was there....can only imagine what would have happened to that poor girl. War or not, it doesn't give a man an excuse to treat a woman like that.
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 loved the line, "Tom wondered whether there was a Mr. Mewett who had so endeared men to her." She's all business! So far none of the townspeople have stood out to me.
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 don't think that I could be isolated like that for so long. With the way chapter five left off, and the opening of the book, Isabel joins him....just not sure when. I think having her there will help him more than being by himself.
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?
Young Isabel seems very carefree and happy. I think the tolls of the miscarriages and maybe the isolation of Janus makes her desperate.
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.
Possibly, unless she's able to get him to open up more. There's not much to do at the lighthouse so hopefully they'll talk! I was a bit surprised at how forward Isabel is since she's so young.
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?
So far so good. I'm enjoying it enough to keep reading!
I have read a little ahead because I am not home until Monday night. I will try my best to catch up then (or with a little luck Sun. night). Thanks all for understanding. It never fails!! :) Happy reading!
I am also a bit behind. No matter tommorrow is Sunday I will catch up :)
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Mar 23, 2013 01:31PM)
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rated it 3 stars
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1. 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?
What an impossible situation.I understand Tom letting her have a bit of time with the baby, I'm sure they both feel hopeless and guilty about the miscarriages and he didn't want to add to that. Although I think they have taken it a bit far, I also completely understand. To live in a desolate place like that and to be overtaken with grief does funny things to people
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.
I really like how the writer has peppered the story with the impacts of war. In this time period, the men were expected to just 'man up' and come back home like nothing had happened. It obviously had effects on people. I wonder if the story will develop to reflect the impacts of different types of trauma (war and miscarriage so far). Obviously Tim did the right thing stepping in and that was a nice way to develop his character.
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 loved the dinner - I could really picture that! No-one in particular stood out, but perhaps that was the idea to highlight Isabel even more
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? That would be so difficult. I couldn't do it, although these days you would be a bit more connected to the world it would be easier than it was in Tom's time. It will definitely make his issues worse as he can continue to block them out
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 thought it was really cute. I think she starts off as a naive 19 year old, as we all were at some point!!
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.
You would expect it to be an issue, but not unusual for this time period. I think as a 19 year old in a small town I can understand her being a bit forward. If she wasn't, its unlikely Tom would have acted at all
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?
So far I like the style. I do like that we see the future first as it gives you an idea of where the story is headed.
I love the line Your family's never in your past. You carry it around with you everywhere
The only thing that bothers me is that it is an Australian writer (albeit moved to the UK), writing about Australia, and the book is in American English. Or perhaps it is just my copy as I have an e-book?
1. 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? I think Tom's instincts were right, and when he allowed himself to be swayed by Isabel, they ended up doing the wrong thing. Doing the right thing thing would have been painful, but certainly no more painful than what it would lead to.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. I thought the gambling scene was probably not out of the question for the times, I think some of those guys probably lost some of their humanity/sensitivity in the 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? Nobody really stood out to me.
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? Given that he was a fairly solitary kind of guy to begin with, I think it will actually help him heal. I could probably do 6 months, but 3 years would be an awful long commitment.
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? Wow - fast, whirlwind romance. I was quite surprised that they ended up together.
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. Yes, and yes.
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 love this book - but then I've already read it to the end so I'm not going to give any spoilers :)
Thought I'd give us all some visuals. They didn't say what kind of whales, so I thought I'd post a variety:
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 128) 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?
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. :)
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)?
Here is a picture of the log book:
Mod
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? Yes I thought that was interesting, and also gave more insight into Tom's character. He definitely relies on detail and order
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. :) Hmm I did wonder about the significance of this. I found it a bit childlike actually, and as the story develops she seems to be "growing up"
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 did some research about divorce in Australia, and it was last legal in NSW in 1873 and Tom would've been born at the end of the 1800s I think, so it is certainly possible. Divorce was only granted for infidelity (and only if it was the woman) which fits in with his father ensuring that he didn't see his mum again. Very sad.
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. Absolutely! especially as he left the space on that day and has worn the book to the point it opens on that day.
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)?
Good point. Their life would be so lonely, I can't imagine.
As a mother of a 6 month old baby, this book is a bit challenging for me (as I knew it would be!). I just can't see a good solution at the end.
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 really liked that detail - makes the book feel more grounded in reality and less like farfetched fiction. I like the books the best that I learn from, even if they are just fiction.
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. :) Wow - great analogy, I hadn't thought of that before, but they were kindof in their own little "garden". Yes, I do think he'd do anything for her - just letting her keep the child went against his own convictions, and I think the significance of that event proved the lengths he'd go to for her.
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 did wish that piece of the story had become more clear. But I think it had to be this way - I'm sure it couldn't have been clear to an 8 year old either, and so we're left in the same boat he was.
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. Yes, I do think the log book will be their downfall, plus you just know that SOMEBODY is out there looking for that child and eventually she'll be recognized. They can't stay out on Janus alone forever.
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)? I didn't think of this as being their Janus point, but maybe it is. I think Tom has some Janus in him, in a way - always looking towards what he should have done vs. what he did do.
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 too far. Thoughts?
Since we don't know the couples history in depth. I feel they went too far. At this point in the novel I don't understand the decision and I don't empathize with the characters yet. It feels more selfish than anything else to me.
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.
I don't think war should allow such behavior, but I do think it can encourage it. Especially back then. Soldiers were primarily men surrounded by other men. It can make it hard for people to respect women. Though I would never let these men off the hook. They need to remember how to respect women and be a part of society.
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 think the Point of Partageuse towns people are a lot like a number of other small towns. For me Mrs. Mewett stood out the most, mainly because she had such preconceived notions of outsiders and the town my grandmother lived in reminds me of it. I can totally see one of my grandmothers friends relaying that story. "I told him whats what and I don't want trouble." :)
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 couldn't. Especially not in this time period with no computer. I would start to get lazy. My mind is not like Tom's. At first I thought that this would be a horrible job for someone who has lived through the hardships that Tom has lived through. To be left alone with your thoughts for that long just seems hard. But Tom seems to be doing just fine. He knows what he has to do to keep it all together. He knows what coping mechanisms work for him.
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 that the miscarriages most have had a horrible affect on her. She seems so bright and carefree as a kid. She knows what she wants and fights for it. But in that first scene of the book she just seems sad and like she is holding on to the baby too tight.
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 that if he can't get over it and share his past it will affect their marriage. Especially because Isabel wants to know. She is not willing to let the subject stay the way it is. She wants to know everything about Tom. I am a little surprised Isabel is so forward. But I also think of my grandma and her story of meeting my grandpa and I am not that surprised anymore. This book is taking my down memory lane. :)
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 have not decided yet. I am not hooked yet. It is an interesting premise, but I don't care about the characters yet. Hopefully, that will change soon.
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 128) 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 thought the information was interesting in creating a mood and maybe it will be important later. But I did not follow most of it. I also wasn't trying that hard to understand it.
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. :)
It was interesting. I like the way Tom thinks of the island more than the way Izzy does. I don't think Tom needs to rein Izzy in or anything. One of the benefits of living alone on a lighthouse is that social convention can be more loosely interpreted. And I don't think that Izzy is becoming attached to quickly. The island is her new home and there are not a lot of things to distract her. I like that she is exploring it and learning everything she can about it. If it helps her to name it, then more power to her. Also Tom is very attached to the island and to the light. He refers to them as living things numerous times, so I don't think that Izzy is more attached to the island than Tom is.
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 don't remember the scene where the men swarmed his home. What page was that? I would assume that his parents were divorced. It sounds like his dad just wanted to blot out all memory of her. I wish he knew more about what happened/told us what happened if he does know.
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.
Do you mean their downfall with the child? That the logbook will show that she just showed up. I am guessing that will happen. I mean he even wrote in that the piano tuner came. If his wife gave birth I am sure he would write it in the log book. For himself, but also to say that there is another life on the island.
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)?
I think when they found the baby is definitely their Janus point. Especially because Tom is so unsure about it. We will have to wait and see how Izzy feels about it and whether she has any doubts.
1. 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?I couldn't judge Isabel for her actions knowing what she went through. After reading the type of carefree character she was when Tom met her I kind of felt sad to see how desperate she has become. I don't know at this point I couldn't find fault with her actions.
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.
I think that these people who go to the war are taught to live their life to the fullest because there is no telling when they might fall. Once that thin line between right and wrong is gone then it is very hard to bring back. So in way the war changes people but whether it is for the good or the bad depends on the person
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?
Friendly and welcoming. I didn't pay much attention to the rest of the characters I was too focused on Isabel
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 will if I could carry my laptop and e book reader with me. If I were Tom and if I was left on my own I would have made things worse by lingering on unpleasant thoughts. I think that is why he keeps himself busy so that he don't have much time to dwell in his thoughts.
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 feel sad that the happy enthusiastic Isabel at the Tom met has turned into the desperate and mature woman at the beginning. The romance between Isabel and Tom is unconvincing. But there are more pages left and hopefully it can turn convincing
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.
Yes,I think that Toms inability to talk about is past is going to play a key role. I don't know much about the way things were in Australia but she does seem a little too forward. Who else talks to a complete stranger about her friend who had to give her secret baby for adoption? and the fact that she accompanied her to meet her child says leaps and bounds about her character, in a good way.
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 like the book so far. The way the author tries to backtrack the story is compelling. But it is kind of a let down at the same time because you know what is going to happen and you read forward keeping that in mind. For instance whenever I read about the Isabel and Tom I keep thinking all the things they will go through to reach the point that they are at now
Questions and Comments for Chapters 6 - 128) 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?
Yes, I think the information is interesting.
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 agree that Tom will do anything to keep Isabel happy. I think though being so isolated there that you have to do what you can to make it as comfortable and homey as possible.
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 am assuming also that she left/divorced. I don't recall the scene with the men swarming the house though. I know when he finally tracked his mom's address down he discovered that she had recently passed away.
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.
Not sure. Tom is being very meticulous though.
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)?
Well they are definitely at a crossroads. Isabel and Tom seem to see keeping the baby differently, although Tom wants to keep Isabel happy, so he's doing what she wants. I know everything seems to be too good to be true so something is bound to happen!
Mod
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?
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?
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?
Karen wrote: "Chapter 26 now... Urgh not sure if I can go on... Curiosity is keeping me reading, but the themes of this book are making me pretty uncomfortable! :o"Oh no! I haven't gotten that far.
Me neither. I'm at chapter 14 and trying to covertly read it while at work *snickers*
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?Yes, More so because I never given much thought to how a light house works. I have gone to the beach but never given any light house more than a passing glance. I think it is one of the things we take for granted. After reading this book I am viewing the light house and the job of a light house keeper in a whole new light. Though I am still wondering whether it is the same now.
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. :)
Now that I think about it. She is like Eve with the apple asking Tom to set aside his rules for keeping the baby. I liked the way he is with Isabel which shows a very patient and caring husband.
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?
The story is not exactly clear on that point. I think I will read further for any explanation.
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.
May be, In the end I think Tom is going tp listen to his conscience and report what happened the day they found Lucy. I can imagine the state I will be when that happens. Better get the kerchiefs ready.
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)?
I think it more aptly describes Tom's situation because he is the one who is seeing things from in two ways. Izzy just feels content with what he has. This situation is their Janus point. By opting to keep the baby the have chosen a path from which there is no return.For their relationship as well as their lives
Nancy wrote: "I am assuming also that she left/divorced. I don't recall the scene with the men swarming the house though. I know when he finally tracked his mom's address down he discovered that she had recently passed away."
It was on page 10. After reading it a second time I think he was mixing the two.
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?Eventually it is going to make him bitter and distant. He might even seek out Hannah in the future.
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 she needed any more excuses to keep Lucy. She pretty much made up her mind even before meeting her parents. It is kind of funny that this book is actually making me understand the reality of war than any other war books I have read.
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 the same thing. But for Tom I think that option has been taken away from him. If he report it now he stand losing not only Lucy but Isabel and his job as well but if he keeps Lucy, he gets to keep his wife and job but will satisfy his conscience. A very difficult choice..I don't even know which choice I would have taken if I was put in his position.
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 think it Isabel is the more likely candidate. She must have got some peace of mind after knowing that she has atleast let the true mother know that her child is alive and cared for.
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?
At this point I am preparing myself for heart break. I can't think of any happy ending unless Hannah gives Lucy to Isabel and moves on with her life which is not a happy ending per say but would have to do the job. Until hearing Hannah story I was all for Isabel keeping Lucy, now I am torn..I don't know who will get the child in the end but do know that I will be a tearful mess whatever be the ending. I am tearing up even now knowing how Hannah and her husband was treated. She left everything to be with him.
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?
Lucy will love them but she will also want to see her real mother. But I think Tom is motivated by more factors than just loosing Lucy's love for him.
Mod
Hmmm. I didn't think his attitude towards them will change. It is more his own conscience that seems to bother him.
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?
Yes we don't realise how lucky we are today, that would have been awful. I actually thought she was using the excuse of her friend who she visited the orphanage with, and she didn't want to have Lucy end up in an orphanage. I guess on some level she could also be hanging on to the loss of her brothers
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?
At this point I agreed with Isabel. They couldn't just come out with 'hey sorry about this' especially when by that point Lucy has become Isabel's daughter (and Tom's but he still thinks about her birth parents whereas Isabel has blocked that).
I was very surprised that no-one wondered about Lucy's appearance, but I went back and read that she was dark haired and I thought that it may be possible that no-one made the connection. If she was blonde like the father that may have given someone pause for thought? Also, as a mum of a 6 month old baby - I see ALOT of babies at the moment and they pretty much all look like their dads. It is apparently nature's way of making sure the dad doesn't abandon the mother (think cave man days!!), so I did find it strange that no-one thought Lucy looked like an Austrian.
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.
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?
This is really awful. That poor woman to have lost her husband and baby because of stupid action by local drunkards (with the police watching!) and no-one talks about how it happened that he ended up on the boat with the baby, just how silly it was of him to do it. Awful.
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?
Depends how the story ends. If Tom and Isabel tell her when she is older and why they acted the way they did, then maybe? I think it depends on so many factors. To be honest I think as time goes on you can't tell her and have her understand. It is kind of like a new take on the stolen generation isn't it?
Mod
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.
1. 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?I can understand from an emotional reasoning why they did not report it right away, but no it was not the right thing to do. My thoughts, as a mother would have been, what about the baby's mother. I think they are trying to convince themselves that she is dead, and they are doing the right thing.
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.
I don't believe that it is ever right to treat a woman like that. No, even being in the war does not give a man an excuse.
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 laughed at Mrs. Mewett, a real old time hard ass! lol. I thought the townspeople were a very "mixed bag" of characters, but I can't say any one in particular stood out to me.
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 Tom holds in a lot, and uses a very routined life, and busy life to keep his feelings at bay. I could not live on Janus by myself, I would go crazy. My mouth would get sore from not using it! lol
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 actually thought she was immature and very childlike. Their romance was very awkward to me, but also sweet. I was surprised at how bold she appeared to be with Tom, giving the era. Knowing what she does in the future only reinforces my thoughts of her being, childlike, immature, even impulsive.
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 definitely think Tom's inability to share is going to be a problem. It must be hard to live not only an isolated life, but with someone so closed up.
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 am really enjoying the book, and yes I like the authour's writing style. It keeps me very interested, and wanting to race forward.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Stolen (other topics)The Light Between Oceans (other topics)
The Light Between Oceans (other topics)
This topic is open for discussion of The Light Between Oceans. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
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 and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.
Tom, whose records as a lighthouse keeper are meticulous and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel has taken the tiny baby to her breast. Against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.
M. L. Stedman’s mesmerizing, beautifully written novel seduces us into accommodating Isabel’s decision to keep this “gift from God.” And we are swept into a story about extraordinarily compelling characters seeking to find their North Star in a world where there is no right answer, where justice for one person is another’s tragic loss.
The Light Between Oceans is exquisite and unforgettable, a deeply moving novel.