The Light Between Oceans - By M L Stedman [Review]

The Light Between Oceans - by M L Stedman

Review

Synopsis

'This is a story of right and wrong and how sometimes they look the same...'

On the 27th of April 1926, a miracle happened. God had found a way to give Isabel what she had always yearned for. Living on a small island, Isabel's husband Tom is a war veteran, he wishes to escape his past by working as the local lighthouse keeper. Tom adores his job and with time his love for his work is obvious to all those living on the mainland. When this miracle happened, Tom and Isabel had been through an awful and heart-breaking ordeal, Tom is compelled to do what he feels is right, however, he knows doing so would break Isabel's heart. They try to live with their choices but choices always carry consequences. 

Review

This is a story that once it finds its way into your heart, you can never let it go. The main character Tom is a war vet and often feels the all too common survivors guilt. Tom wishes to just have a job which he can put all his energy and effort into so that he can forget the painful memories. Tom finds himself relishing in the tasks of being a lighthouse keeper but something else has found its way into his heart, and that was love. When he meets Isabel, it's obvious that Isabel is head over heels for him but Tom is wary to start a life with her due to her young age and his own personal demons. Isabel knows that Tom is very reserved and is determined to find a way to help him. The relationship steadily blossoms into a love that everyone wishes they had and they start their life together on Janus Rock. Their marriage is full of love and happiness until they are forced to deal with multiple heartbreaks which takes a massive toll on Isabel's wellbeing. Isabel is now a shell of her former self until she finds the baby that has miraculously survived despite the odds. Isabel is convinced that this is a gift from God and that this will make life whole again. Isabel and Tom raise the baby but Tom is always plagued by guilt and fear until once he discovers the true identity of the baby, he can't take it anymore. Following the shocking revelation that Tom makes, the marriage between Isabel and Tom crumbles but Isabel is the only one who can save Tom from himself. 

From the very beginning you feel sorrow for all the loss and pain that Tom has experienced, this only increases throughout the story but overall, you feel greatly admiring towards Tom and how he faces these hardships. My very first thoughts of Isabel was that she was naïve but confident and it feels like you are right there alongside her through her heartbreaks. You keep on hoping for some luck and happiness for Isabel and when it does arrive, you want it to stay that way. M L Stedman has done a great job on building two very opposing characters whilst allowing yourself to identify with both of their feelings and wishes. This story breaks your heart but also leaves you with that taste of bittersweet happiness at the tip of your tongue. I find it very hard to believe that anyone could read this story and not fall head over heels in love with both of the characters. The story is incredibly gripping, it's definitely one that you can't part with until you've read the very last word. 

For me, this was a solid 5-star review.

About the author

M L Stedman was born and raised in Western Australia and now lives in London. The Light Between Oceans was her very first novel and has sold over two million copies worldwide. M L Stedman previously worked as a lawyer in London before trying her hand at writing. g and becoming incredibly successful at doing so. 

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