Book Review-Light Between Oceans

Recently, my book choices seem to be following a theme; they all take place around the time of the world wars:  The Dead in their Vaulted Arches, Life After Life, The Hollow City and now The Light Between Oceans Tom has just returned home to Australia after his stint in the war. As many do, he carries a lot of guilt for what he has done and for the simple act of surviving when so many others did not.  He decides that the solitary life of a lighthouse keeper will help him heal. He is posted to Janus Rock, a lighthouse on an island off the west coast.  When he arrives in the town that is closest to the light he meets a young woman named Isabelle.  They enjoy each other's company, but he has to report to the light and won't get a shore leave for a long time.  The supply boat comes every 3 months, and with the regular supplies comes a letter from Isabelle.  They start a long distance courtship and eventually marry. Life so far from others has its own difficulties, but they cope with everything except Isabelle's three miscarriages.  She is devastated.  While tending the graves one day she hears a baby cry, and thinks it is just her imagination, until Tom calls her.  A boat has washed ashore with a dead man and a small baby. What is the right thing to do when you don't know all the answers?  The story explores marriage, love, family ties, and honor.  What does it mean to love or to have compassion? It is a very well written book with lots of things to think about and ponder over.

The Light Between Oceans By Stedman, M. L. 2012-07 - Scribner Book Company 9781451681734 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title A novel set on a remote Australian island, where a childless couple live quietly running a lighthouse, until a boat carrying a baby washes ashore. …More

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