The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman - June 2023 (previously read July 2014)

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

This is the discussion thread for our July BOTM, The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.



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

[Stacy]

I recently read this book and loved it!!

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

So glad to hear that. I've been wanting to read this one for a while, so I'm really looking forward to it. Everyone I know that has read it has good things to say.

[N]

I read it a while ago, I felt there was a timing imbalance, if a book is paced a year over say 80 pages then I hate it when the next 5 or whatever are squished into 20 and so on..... the premise of the book was very good but I felt the execution of it was lacking somewhat. All up average book IMHO.

[Jenny]

After I finished this book, I actually wasn't able to pick up another one for awhile.

Had I read all of the "so depressing! So sad!!" reviews before picking up this book, I wouldn't have given it a chance. I don't do boo-hoo fests. I just don't care for them.

I finished this book at 2:30 in the morning, and I cried like I haven't cried in years.

Sure, there were slight issues along the way with both the story and some of the editing, but....

I'm so glad I didn't know what I was getting into when I started it. I loved it. I still think about this book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others. I do fear that they won't be as touched or moved as I was, but I am hopeful that they will be.

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Jenny. It is a tough read and really gets you thinking!

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I love some of the covers for this book. What do you guys think? Do you have a favorite?

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

When I look at these covers

I think they all fit the story in their own way, but the dark cover with the lighthouse, and the cover at the very right are more appealing. I actually think the dark cover is more striking and draws you in more, but perhaps it is just because it is the cover I have seen more often with the book?

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Thanks for adding the bigger covers! I know people on apps may not see the ones in the previous post.

The dark cover on the left is the book cover that I have. I love the colors. I think the one with the little girl on it (the third one) is very pretty.

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

Yes the one with the little girl is pretty, but it makes the book seem sad (which... yeah.. it is... lol), but I'm not sure it would appeal to people.
It must be such a process to go through to get covers created for a book

[Angel]

I really enjoyed this book and it wasn't my typical read.

[Marnie]

I like the different covers. This book brought about great discussion in another group I am in that read it...can't wait to see what y'all think of it.

[R.L.]

I'm looking forward to this novel. I've put off reading it for a really weird reason - I'm not a relation, but I have the same name.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Oh funny, R. L.! That would probably make me want to read it even more. :)

[R.L.]

Kristie wrote: "Oh funny, R. L.! That would probably make me want to read it even more. :)"
Yeah, but it just feels weird, you know.. like I'm reading a book by my auntie (also M Stedman). Plus, I write under my own name - I didn't know about this book when I signed my own book contract - so now i look like a wannabe! Anyway, will read and am sure I will enjoy.

[Dale]

Karen wrote: "When I look at these covers

I read this book last year and it was one of my favourites. I gave it five stars. I had cover number 2 on my copy but love cover number 1 and would have picked that if I had the choice. But I am always partial to blue covers.

[Colleen]

I like the lighthouse cover and also the rocks/water imagery. Really takes you to the place of the novel. I loved it too and felt so much for Isabel, anyone who wants a child so much not to have one is heart-breaking. I thought it was well-written and will also love this novel for a long time.

[Scott]

I too loved this book and actually was surprised that it didnt sadden me as much as others. I tend to be more emotionally invested when terrible things happen to characters doing or striving to do the right thing. There were so many bad choices made hete by so many characters...that their outcomes seemed less impactful. What struck me more emotionally was the recurring theme of isolation. The setting, the characters. the choices made, the lack of honesty...there seemed to be a constant thread of isolation. The beauty of the novel, IMO, is that the beginning of the novel painted this concept as peaceful, beautiful and almost redemptive...but then it slowly became claustrophobic and destructive.

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

Nicely put Scott!

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

More information about this book

Book trailer and discussion can be found here

[Debra]

Such a great book that is basically about when good people make bad choices - really bad choices and what happens as a result of those choices. This is a touching and moving story. Highly recommend it.

[Marnie]

I loved this book too. I think the author did a great job at building sympathy for all the characters.

[Belinda]

Karen wrote: "When I look at these covers






I think they all fit the story in their own way, but the dark cover with the lighthouse, and the cover at the very right are more appealing. I actually think the..."

I like the second from the right. Ultimately, the story is about the child, without giving too much away.

[Belinda]

I read this book last year and cried like a baby! I think any book that is able to evoke that much emotion is a great read.

I recently went to a discussion about this book at my local library. It was really interesting to see how much differing opinion this book created.

[Dale]

Belinda wrote: "I read this book last year and cried like a baby! I think any book that is able to evoke that much emotion is a great read.

Agree Belinda

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

Belinda wrote: "I like the second from the right. Ultimately, the story is about the child, without giving too much away....

I understand, but to me this book is about so much more. In particular isolation and the choices people make. I think that this why the lighthouse picture in particular appeals to me as a better fit to the story

[Dale]

Definitely about isolation and why I like the lighthouse cover better too Karen.

[Colleen]

Debra wrote: "Such a great book that is basically about when good people make bad choices - really bad choices and what happens as a result of those choices. This is a touching and moving story. Highly recommend..."

And true.

Scott wrote: "I too loved this book and actually was surprised that it didnt sadden me as much as others. I tend to be more emotionally invested when terrible things happen to characters doing or striving to do..."

I agree.

[Tracey]

This wasn't my type of book and I was bored throughout 2/3 of it honestly. It picked up for me at the end and made me emotional. I like that the author was able to make feel for everyone. For those reasons, I gave it a three instead of a two.

[R.L.]

I agree with Chase. I thought the beginning and the ending were stunningly written, but I did skim a lot of the middle. But if you enjoyed this novel, try A Fortunate Life or The Shipping News.

[Nadia]

I enjoyed this book but I was a bit unsettled with the ending. Very sad. Bad choices were made and I guess there was no way that there could be a happy ending but I felt like one character just had it bad in every way.
It definitely makes you wonder what you would do in this situation

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Has anyone heard that they may be making a movie out of this book?? I just found this: http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?i...

Looks like they are planning it! http://www.empireonline.com/news/stor...

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Here's a few discussion questions for anyone that would like to answer some.


1. Why do you think the author selected this title? What do you visualize when you hear or read The Light Between Oceans?



2. Discuss the impact of living in seclusion on both Tom and Isabel. Why do you think each of them is drawn to live on Janus Rock? Do you think, in the moments when we are unobserved, we are different people?



3. When Isabel tries to get Tom to open up about his family, he responds: “I’ll tell you if you really want. It’s just I’d rather not. Sometimes it’s good to leave the past in the past.”(pages 44-45) Do you think it is possible to leave the past in the past? What do you think of Tom’s opinion that it’s a “pity” that we’re a product of our family’s past?



4. Janus Rock is named for Janus, the Roman God of doorways, “always looking both ways, torn between two ways of seeing things.” (page 65) How does this knowledge impact your reading of The Light Between Oceans? Who is “torn between two ways of seeing things”?



5. Did you sense that the silver rattle might turn out to play a pivotal role in the story?



6. Tom believes that rules are vital, that they are what keep a man from becoming a savage. Do you agree with him?



7. Which characters won your sympathy and why? Did this change over the course of the novel? Did your notion of what was best or right shift in the course of your reading?


8. Tom and Isabel’s deception impacts the lives of everyone around them. What did you think of the other characters’ reactions when they discover the truth about Lucy? (Hannah, Gwen, Septimus, Isabel’s parents, Ralph, Bluey.

..)

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

End of book Questions:

(view spoiler)[

9. Discuss Hannah’s reunion with Grace. Do you think she had fair expectations? Did you agree with Dr. Sumpton’s advice to Hannah about completely cutting Lucy off from Isabel and Tom?



10. Were you surprised by Isabel’s final decision to admit her role in the choice to keep Lucy—freeing Tom, but losing her child forever?Why or why not? What would you have done?



11. What did you think of the conclusion of the novel? What emotions did you feel at the story’s end? Did it turn out as you expected? Were you satisfied?

(hide spoiler)]

[Denise]

Scott wrote: "I too loved this book and actually was surprised that it didnt sadden me as much as others. I tend to be more emotionally invested when terrible things happen to characters doing or striving to do..."

I agree - the theme of isolation seemed to come through very strongly in this book. Especially when the story moved away from the lighthouse and back to the 'civilization' part of the community. The emotional isolation the characters all seem to inhabit tells a very compelling and moving story in and of itself.

[Jessie]

I loved and admired Tom.

I also agree with others who said the writing wasn't the greatest. It did slow down in places, too.

It's not a book I would have picked up without this group. Thanks!

[Jasmin]

I finished the book and I have mixed feelings. Halfway through I was struggling to even finish and was unhappily deciding that I just didn't like the book. I am never one to stop reading a book without completing it though, and so I forced myself to keep going. I'm really glad I did because the ending was extremely touching and thought-provoking. I agree with some of the other commenters that the beginning and the end were amazing, but the middle 150 pages or so were rather dry and repetitive. All in all, I'm glad I read this. I think the story and characters will stay with me for a long time. Stedman illustrates pain and loss, some of our toughest emotions, beautifully.

[Nina]

I finnished reding this book a coupele day a go and it is still in my toughts. I really liked the book because it really gets you thinkin and refectin on things.

I liked the book from the firts page to the last page, only an coupele book has mede me cry and this was one of them. Tears was straming down the last 20 pages.

I don't this is a book I would hav picked if it was not the book of the month in this grop, so thanks for getting me to read theis book.

[Bee]

I read this book some time ago, but absolutely loved it!

[Dale]

My response too Bee.

[Bee]

You couldn't help but love all the characters and I was torn between whats right and whats wrong.

[Dale]

Exactly, made you think how you'd react in the situation and understand the motives of the characters..

[Lauren]

I read this book about six months ago but the dreaded feeling that this was a catch 22 situation still stays with me. To have such sympathy for all characters was both torturous and refreshing .

[Bee]

Lauren, yes exactly! It is one of the few books for me that there is no clear distinction with which character is right or wrong.

[Laura]

I just finished and I am late to the discussion obviously. But I loved this book. I thought the language and imagery were beautiful.

And I love that the title refers to the lighthouse and the meaning of Lucy's name. I also felt the title symbolized the light and happiness between the two very different parts of Isabel's life.

[Dale]

Great to hear so many other people appreciated this book which I loved.

[Albert]

I'm probably stepping in here late but I wanted to say that I read this book last year and though it isn't my normal genre, I was really emotionally strung out by the end. It was one of my choices for best book of the year. I highly recommend this novel to any reader of any genre. An excellant read.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

This novel was a great one I passed around to my family. The story was so moving, and the characters wonderfully depicted. I tried to watch the movie, but was woefully disappointed. I couldn't even get through it! It was SO slow.

[Karen ⊰✿, Avaricious Reader]

Oh I haven’t tried the movie. I loved the book but it was hard enough - I don’t think I could do it on film

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I find that so interesting. I was recommended this one by a real life friend that loved it. I tried to read it but was bored at the onset and put it aside. I'm not sure if the book was just slow or not what I needed at the time. I always plan to go back and try again, but haven't done it yet.