The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is not only a book of historical fiction but of romantic love and love between a mother and their child. It is a story of how love can turn to tragedy and be healed again through that same love.
Tom is a WWI veteran who comes to the Australian town of Partageuse to take up his newly appointed position as lightkeeper on Janus Rock. The first person he meets upon arrival is a pretty young woman feeding the seagulls. Isabel is full of life and yet Tom loves his dear Izzy and asks her to marry him. This means a secluded life on the island where Tom guards the lighthouse. This duty is one that Tom takes very seriously. He is meticulous in his following of the rules of duty just as his flowing hand writing is as meticulous.
Izzy has had her third loss of a child. When a boat drifts on to Janus Rock, she thinks she is hearing the distant crying of her just buried son but a baby is found in the boat wrapped in a lady's cardigan laying alongside a dead man's body. Tom must do his duty and report the find in his log book immediately then signal for help. Izzy tends to the little helpless life of a distressed baby who is hungry. Her gift from God? At that instant a decision is made that will alter the lives of many people forever.
This book compels you to feel compassion in your heart to all those touched by a decision made whether right or wrong. It shows a face and heart behind all sides of a story. It shows you there is not only black and white to things but also grey where love resides. M.L. Stedman has given us a beautifully descriptive story of a beautiful landscape. A must read for 2013!
Happy reading!
Heidi
5 comments:
Doesn't sound like my kind of book, but glad you liked it. You are right, the picture on the cover is darling.
I just finished reading The Dark Witch by Nora Roberts, my favorite author. You found the deal for me on my new Kindle. It was too good to be true but really was a deal.
I am reading a Jude Deveraux book now, my niece lent it to me. Scarlet Nights, so far really good.
Love you, Mom
I picked this up yesterday and have read the first couple of chapters after a good recommendation... very strange!
I have this on my TBR shelf for reading in the new year. It looks like just my kind of book!
Julie...are you liking it better now? I really enjoyed it.
Trish...you are in for a treat. It is really good and the descriptions are wonderful.
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