Synopsis (from Amazon): 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, 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, who keeps meticulous records and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel insists the baby is a “gift from God,” and 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.
My Review: The Light Between Oceans was a let down for me. I don't know if it was because so many others raved about it, I set my expectations too high or because I listened to the audio book instead of reading it. I usually LOVE audio books, so I am not sure why this book didn't work for me. Please know it is really hard for me to say this about a book.
Favorite Character(s): My favorite character was Lucy. She was so carefree in her earlier years on the island. I also really liked the connection she builds with her real grandfather. The two of them developed a special bond and it "softened" him. He also helped her through her terrible transition.
Setting: LOVED it. I always dreamed of living on island and in a lighthouse. Of course modern time with all the bells and whistles. I would also like to be able to go a shore to the mainland daily (or as often I liked).
Fast read/slow read: It was a slow one for me to listen too. I wasn't excited for commute to work like I usually am with audio books.
Cover: Oh yes, I liked it! Look at the other BEAUTIFUL covers I found.
One (or more) Sentence Summary: The Light Between Oceans tells a good tale and I really did feel heart ache for all the characters. Such a terrible ordeal for ALL of them to go through. Please look at others reviews....like I said, there are so many raving reviews out there. It just wasn't for me.
Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I am not sure.
Meet the Author: M.L. Stedman was born and raised in Western Australia and now lives in London. The Light Between Oceans is her first novel.
Purchase: You can purchase The Lights Between Oceans online from Amazon for $16.
You are right. There are a lot of readers who have loved this novel but it's good, as a potential reader of The Light Between Oceans, to read another's point of view. Perhaps it will lower my expectations somewhat, balancing favourable and unfavourable opinions so I can better approach it without expectations. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteShirley - I also listened to the book vs. reading. I LOVE audiobooks, but some are better read! I really hope this is one of those cases.
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