The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman Book Review

Title: The Light Between Oceans
Author: M.L. Stedman
Publisher: Scribner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2012
Date of Publication: July 31, 2012
Pages: 343
ISBN-10: 1451681739
ISBN-13: 978-1451681734

Summary of The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans is a story that follows Tom Sherbourne, a lighthouse keeper, and his wife, Isabel, who live on an isolated island named Janus Rock. Tom is an excellent lighthouse keeper (keep in mind that the novel is set in post-World War I Australia and Tom just returned from the war. He is meticulous with his record keeping and ensures that the reports activities and accounts accurately.

Isabel and Tom have been trying to have a child for years but sadly, they suffered two miscarriages and one still birth. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they discover a boat washed ashore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

At first, Tom wants to report what he and Isabel found but she convinces him not to do so. She had become attached to the baby even though Tom was worried that there was a mother out there grieving for her baby.

The couple decides to raise the child as their own, and they name her Lucy. This decision leads to profound and heart-wrenching consequences when the truth about the baby’s origins comes to light.

Main Themes

The novel is about love, morality, and the consequences of choices. It focuses on the depths of grief and the lengths people go to in pursuit of happiness and family.

Writing Style

M.L. Stedman’s writing is very descriptive. You very easily get a sense of what Janus Rock looks like and also learn how hard and quite lonely it is to take care of a light house.

The book alternates between Tom and Isabel’s perspectives and so you get to understand, maybe not accept, the motivation behind both characters actions. Tom for example was very lonely prior to meeting Isabel and primarily sort to make his wife happy.

It is almost hard to believe that this book was Stedman’s first novel. Simply amazing!

Impact of The Light Between Oceans

In 2016, The Light Between Oceans was adapted into a feature film starring Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, and Rachel Weisz.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!