Let's take a look at THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS

[Brantford]

The Light Between Oceans is a remarkable debut novel by author M.L.Stedman that has received a tremendous amount of attention.It was the winner of three ABIA awards for Best Newcomer, Best Literary Novel and Book of the Year, Winner of two Indie Awards for Best Debut and Book of the Year, longlisted for The Women's Prize for Fiction & recently voted Historical Novel of 2012 by GoodReads' reading community. That's a lot of recognition for a novel that reportedly took only 3 months to write. Another interesting fact about this debut novel is that there was a bidding war by publishers to secure the title. As if that were not exciting enough for a first time novelist, last November Dreamworks secured the rights to turn this beautiful story into a film. It looks like we have a great book here to discuss.We hope you all enjoy it.

[Kathryn]

That makes both of the BPL Online book club titles future movies. I wonder if anyone has suggestions, hopes, thoughts on who might play Tom and Isabelle?

I'm surprised to hear that it only took 3 months to write this novel. I wonder how long the story, landscape and characters were travelling around in the author's mind before putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard?

I'm looking forward to the discussion on this title.

[Karen]

If this took only three months to write, just think of what's yet to come. So far loving it, but I'm partial to historical.

[Karen]

I know Daniel Day Lewis is rather "long in the tooth" , but wouldn't he be wonderful as Tom?

[Anna]

I think he would be wonderful at anything he did. He would make a very good Tom.

[Gen]

I just got my copy from the library and now I'm hurrying to finish my current book so I can get started on this one!!

[Karen]

Hugh Jackman is too old as well, darn. But, I'm on it!

[Janet]

Karen wrote: "I know Daniel Day Lewis is rather "long in the tooth" , but wouldn't he be wonderful as Tom?"

I agree, Karen! With Nicole Kidman as Isabel, perhaps?

[Karen]

I definitely think Kidman could do it, but we have to remember in both cases the characters are younger than all of these wonderful actors. Isabel is 19 at the start of the novel and Tom is 25 plus he finished his engineering degree at 21 and had at least four yrs service. Although Kidman is beautiful to look at, I don't think she would be asked to fill the part.

[Karen]

Amanda Seyfried as Isabel and Mia Wasikowska as Hannah .

[Kathryn]

Don't think I agree with 'Amanda' as Isabel but 'Mia' as Hannah would be perfect.

[Karen]

I was thinking Amanda solely on looks and the "enchantment" factor. I think Tom is enchanted with Isabel and feels lucky that she even bothers to look at him. She has that pretty blonde, doe-eyed doll look that men think is so attractive. Maybe I underestimate Isabel's intelligence and importance. I just feel Hannah needs to be and IS the stronger character, for me Hannah should be the strong female lead in the film. I don't mean to de-value Isabel's importance in the novel, but I guess I didn't develop a reader's care or respect for her.