The Light between Oceans: Part 1

[Irene]

Do you see any themes brewing?

[Sue]

Irene wrote: "How do you like the story so far?"

I actually finished reading this novel about a week ago and I enjoyed it all stages. I thought the novel was a easy read straightforward storytelling. The novel kept me engaged, I found it suspenseful as I was wondering how it all was going to work out and I was touched by the storyline.

[Sue]

Irene wrote: "Very interesting comments from each of you. I agree with your comments about how Janus plays a role in developing the two characters. I also am enjoying the various grammatical usage and lan..."

I am glad you were able to push past some of the British/Austrailian colloquialism to enjoy the story.

[Irene]

Sue wrote: "Irene wrote: "Very interesting comments from each of you. I agree with your comments about how Janus plays a role in developing the two characters. I also am enjoying the various grammatical ..."

It wasn't easy, but I did it.

[Daniale]

I really like the way this section ended. The language describing the piano music ("the orderly notes climbing the stairs if the lighthouse and ringing around the lantern room, flittering between the prisms") is so beautiful. I love that the notes are flittering between the prisms. But the last line: "prior approval granted", implies a return to duty and protocol-- themes that don't match up with free - spirited Izzy. So the ending of the section leaves us with some foreshadowing.

[Irene]

I wonder if the theme of good and evil can apply?

[Daniale]

Hmm... interesting thought, Irene. I think a case could be made, but I don't want to give any spoilers! What about light vs dark? Or right vs wrong? I also see themes of Duty and Forgiveness.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I would agree with the duty and forgiveness

[Sue]

Irene wrote: "I wonder if the theme of good and evil can apply?"

I would go for truth and lies, honesty and deception, sanity and madness, open and hidden, selfish and unselfish, honourable and dishourable.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

those work too.

[Rebecca]

Isolation, grief, despair. morals, truth, guilt,

[Maureen]

There's a huge God theme going on here. He took one's child, he gave a child to another. God is responsible for everything that happens to everyone.

[Sue]

Also I think there is a theme of life and death.

[Sue]

Maureen wrote: "There's a huge God theme going on here. He took one's child, he gave a child to another. God is responsible for everything that happens to everyone."


I agree that there is a a God theme throughout the novel, I think the only miracle here is that Lucy survived the boat journey when her father did not. To me unless the heavens opened up and God said to Izabel and Tom this baby I have created for you to enjoy then there was no miracle but Izabel would percieve it otherwise.

I feel there is a bibilical theme here. I read somewhere that someone thought this story line was orginal, I don't think it is orginal but it is not a common storyline. To me the bibilical references are when Moses was drawn from the water and an Eygptian princess claimed him as her biological son and the other reference is when King Solomon is asked to judge over two women claim the same live baby and both denying the claim to a dead baby.

[Rebecca]

Sue, Good points. I think I would tend to the biblical theme. I never would have thought of the Moses reference which is a great one
I was thinking of the way we might be drawn to light for some is God,and similar way Izzy is drawn to Lucy whose name means light.

[Sue]

Rebecca wrote: "Sue, Good points. I think I would tend to the biblical theme. I never would have thought of the Moses reference which is a great one
I was thinking of the way we might be drawn to light for some i..."

Cool link 'Lucy's meaning light and 'Grace' meaning favor or blessing.

[Irene]

I was thinking that Lucy is the light between oceans ( Tom duty and Izzy emotional). Tom and Izzy are as different as oceans.

We are heading into the dilemma like a roller coaster climbing the plot to its peak.

Are you ready?

[Sue]

Irene wrote: "I was thinking that Lucy is the light between oceans ( Tom duty and Izzy emotional). Tom and Izzy are as different as oceans.




This is a great interpretation Irene! I think there are so many interpretations to this novel, I wonder if it was deliberate on the authors part or accidental.

[Daniale]

Irene wrote: "I was thinking that Lucy is the light between oceans ( Tom duty and Izzy emotional). Tom and Izzy are as different as oceans.

We are heading into the dilemma like a roller coaster climbing ..."

Wow, that's pretty awesome, Irene. I didn't think of a person being the light. I love it.