The Light Between Oceans

by M.L. Stedman

This is the book that my Book Club Book Swap buddy sent me for September’s read. My swap partner was Monique of Life’s Little Vignettes, and I was really happy with her choice. I have a pretty long to-read list on Goodreads, and I’d forgotten this particular book was on there. I also went through her to-read list and found two books that I love, so sent those to her. All around, a fun time. Thank you, Monique, for a great swap!

Now for the book: This was a great read. It takes place shortly after WWI, and tells the story of Tom and his new wife Isabel as he takes up a remote lighthouse keeper post off the western coast of Australia. One day, shortly after her third miscarriage, Isabel hears a baby crying. They find a boat washed up on shore; inside are a dead man and a baby wrapped in a woman’s cardigan. She convinces Tom that they should keep the baby and claim her as their own, since no one knows she lost this most recent baby yet. (This isn’t giving anything away, by the way; this is all info on the book jacket). The remote post means they don’t visit the mainland for years at a time, but when they do (with the toddler Lucy in tow), reality comes crashing back into their lives.

The story is beautifully written, and emotional. It goes through all of the consequences of their choice, for their marriage, for the small port town, and for Lucy. It’s heartbreaking at points, and Stedman does an excellent job at conveying just how removed from the world this lighthouse post is. I would definitely recommend it.

I give it 4.5/5 stars.