Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion
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The Light Between Oceans
Light Between Oceans
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The LIGHTHOUSE
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Aug 15, 2013 12:27PM
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The lighthouse keeper's daily rituals are a comforting part of the story; I think for us, the reader, as well as for Tom. It keeps his mind on task, not on his past or the consequences of the choices in his life. I'm presuming he thought with the seclusion of Janus island he would find peace. On the island they can enjoy the beauty of nature, the fields and the tumultuous ocean; the latter from a safe distance. They keep chickens and goats and I know from personal experience the attachment you can feel toward the animals. There is comfort in that as well. But, it it obvious to the reader that the Lighhouse keeper feels an emotional attachment to the Lighthouse itself. We first see this on pg. 30 when whittnish spoke about the light as if it were a faithful dog or a favourite rose. Also on pg 213 when Tom is arrested and Whittnish allows him time to say "Goodbye" to the light. It does add to the ambiance of the story and gives us a good glimpse into their lives.
I agree. I loved the setting. In the first half of the book the lighthouse almost becomes a character. You feel attached to it and it serves as this safe little haven for the newleyweds. I thought it added a lot of atmosphere. You could have placed this story in another setting and it still would have been good, but it wouldn't be the same story really.
I love the setting as well; for as long as I remember I've had an attraction to lighthouses. But I think there is a big interest for a lot of people, the special architecture and the solitude. I think part of the appeal is the nostalgia for another time and lifestyle.
The connection that Tom has with the lighthouse comes through very clearly in the story. He takes such pride in his work and draws strength from the rules and rituals of his job. This seems very comforting to him in contrast to the horror of war and his lack of control in that world.
I just borrowed the book today. Interesting comments.
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Hi Edith, so good to hear that you got a copy of the book. We are sure you will enjoy it. We look forward to hearing what you think.
Enjoying it very much, just where Tom and Isabel got married. She sounds like she will make an adventure of life at the Lighthouse.
I think when he begins to pour himself more & more into the work around the lighthouse is a perfect example of what many of us do when we are trying to avoid something in our lives - we focus even more intently on something else. I'm 3/4 through the book and - this may seem odd - struggle with both wanting and not-wanting to continue reading. the pain for the characters is difficult to take. I read the first half in one day but now have to take mini breaks. Does this make sense to others?
That makes perfect sense Young. It is a tragic story.I think you are dead on about Tom using the daily routines at the lighthouse to block out things from his past that haunt him. I think it makes him feel like his life is safely predictable and gives him some sense of being in control.
I felt bad when Tom was taking all the blame for keeping the baby when deep down he wanted to rectify the situation but loved Lucy so much and knew how much Izzy needed to fill the void of their loss of three babies. So many deep emotions and so hard on Lucy to be taken from them in a situation she could not begin to comprehend. I was glad the author brought a good conclusion to such a deeply difficult set of conflicting emotions of the people involved.
