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The Light Between Oceans summary
Brief summary
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is a captivating novel that tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who make a fateful decision that will haunt them for years. It is a tale of love, loss, and the consequences of our choices.
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The Light Between Oceans
Summary of key ideas
The Lighthouse Keeper's Dilemma
In The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, we are introduced to Tom Sherbourne, a World War I veteran who takes up the position of a lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, a remote island off the coast of Western Australia. Here, he finds solace in the isolation and the routine of his job. During a visit to the mainland, he meets Isabel, a vivacious and spirited young woman, and they soon fall in love and get married.
However, their happiness is marred by Isabel's two miscarriages and a stillbirth. The couple is devastated, and Isabel is on the brink of losing hope of ever becoming a mother. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a boat washes ashore carrying a dead man and a crying baby. Isabel, who sees this as a sign from God, convinces Tom to keep the baby and raise her as their own, naming her Lucy.
The Consequences of a Fateful Decision
Tom, who is torn between his love for his wife and his sense of duty, reluctantly agrees to Isabel's plan. They keep Lucy's origins a secret and raise her on the island. However, as time passes, Tom becomes increasingly burdened by guilt, especially when he learns that the baby's real mother, Hannah Roennfeldt, is alive and grieving for her lost husband and child.
Tom's moral dilemma is further complicated when he discovers that Hannah is the wife of the man whose body washed ashore with Lucy. He is torn between his loyalty to Isabel and his growing sense of responsibility towards Hannah. The situation becomes even more complex when Hannah, who has been led to believe that her husband and child drowned at sea, moves to the mainland and starts working in the same town where Tom and Isabel live.
The Unraveling of a Secret
As Lucy grows older, Tom and Isabel's secret becomes harder to keep. The strain of their deception begins to take a toll on their marriage. Isabel, who has grown deeply attached to Lucy, refuses to acknowledge the wrongness of their actions. Tom, on the other hand, is consumed by guilt and the fear of losing the little girl he has come to love as his own.
When Lucy turns four, a series of events lead to the unraveling of their secret. Tom, unable to bear the weight of their lie any longer, confesses to Hannah, who is devastated by the news. The truth comes to light, and the authorities are called in to decide Lucy's fate. The couple is put on trial, and the community is divided over their actions.
The Aftermath and Redemption
In the end, Tom is found guilty of kidnapping, and Lucy is returned to her birth mother. Isabel, who is also held responsible for her part in the deception, is left shattered. Tom is sentenced to prison, and the couple's marriage is left in tatters. The story concludes with Tom's release from prison, but the damage caused by their fateful decision seems irreparable.
The Light Between Oceans is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the consequences of our choices. It raises thought-provoking questions about morality, parenthood, and the lengths people are willing to go to in the name of love. The novel leaves us with a bittersweet ending, reminding us that even the most well-intentioned actions can have unforeseen and devastating consequences.
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What is The Light Between Oceans about?
The Light Between Oceans tells the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who rescue a baby adrift in a rowboat and decide to raise her as their own. Set on a remote island off the coast of Australia, the novel explores themes of love, morality, and the consequences of difficult choices. M. L. Stedman's beautiful prose and gripping plot make this a captivating read that will stay with you long after turning the last page.
The Light Between Oceans Review
The Light Between Oceans (2012) explores the heart-wrenching story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who discover a baby girl washed ashore on a remote island. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its moral dilemmas and complex characters, the book dives into themes of love, loss, and the consequences of our choices.
- Set against the backdrop of the stunning Australian landscape, the story's descriptive settings transport readers to a captivating world.
- Through its narrative tension and thought-provoking moments, the book keeps readers engaged from start to finish, ensuring it's definitely not boring.
Who should read The Light Between Oceans?
- Readers who enjoy emotional and thought-provoking novels
- Those interested in ethical dilemmas and moral decision-making
- Individuals who appreciate vivid descriptions of natural landscapes and remote settings
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The Light Between Oceans FAQs
What is the main message of The Light Between Oceans?
The main message of The Light Between Oceans is the moral dilemma faced by a couple when they discover a baby adrift at sea.
How long does it take to read The Light Between Oceans?
The reading time for The Light Between Oceans varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Light Between Oceans a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Light Between Oceans is a captivating book with complex themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Light Between Oceans?
The author of The Light Between Oceans is M. L. Stedman.
What to read after The Light Between Oceans?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Light Between Oceans, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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