The Light Between Oceans

by M.L. Stedman
The Light Between Oceans cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1568
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780552779074
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2013-01-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £9.49

Set on a secluded Australian island, 'The Light Between Oceans' explores the emotional turmoil of a childless couple who discover a baby in a boat. Their decision to raise the child as their own sets off a chain of events that challenges their conscience and love. /n/nThis poignant tale delves into themes of love, loss, and the lengths people go to protect what they hold dear. The novel's atmospheric setting and moral dilemmas make it a compelling read.

Reviews
Oz Books Nail · 2016-12-16
moving 4.00

The story of a couple's desire for a child is heart-wrenching and explores the complexities of family dynamics. The isolation of the setting adds to the emotional impact.

This reviewer finds the story deeply moving, focusing on the couple's desperate longing for a child. They highlight the emotional turmoil and the difficult decisions the characters face. The setting of Janus Rock is seen as a crucial element that enhances the isolation and intensity of the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the exploration of family dynamics and the moral questions raised by the plot.

Quick quotes

    This is the heart-wrenching story of a couple who just wanted a child of their own.

    Tom lives on Janus Rock – a lighthouse look out, isolated from the coast.

    The story explores the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional impact of isolation.

Claire Huston · Claire Huston · 2015-12-24
good 3.50

The novel is a good read with a wonderful setting and a complex moral dilemma. However, it lacks the grip to be truly gripping.

Claire Huston finds the setting of the novel to be wonderful and the moral dilemma compelling. They appreciate the emotional depth and the way the story explores the consequences of the characters' actions. However, they feel that the narrative lacks the intensity to be truly gripping. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths but also notes that it could have been more engaging. Overall, they find it a good read but not an exceptional one.

Quick quotes

    A wonderful setting and a complex moral dilemma make this a good (if not all that gripping) read.

    The emotional depth and the way the story explores the consequences of the characters' actions are compelling.

    The narrative lacks the intensity to be truly gripping.

Goodreads · 2012-03-20
engrossing 4.50

The novel's beautiful writing seduces readers into understanding the protagonist's decisions. The emotional depth and moral dilemmas are compelling.

This reviewer is captivated by the novel's mesmerizing prose, which draws them into the protagonist's world. They appreciate the emotional complexity and the way the story explores the consequences of choices. The setting and character development are particularly praised, making it a deeply engaging read. However, they also acknowledge the moral ambiguity, which adds layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Stedman's mesmerizing, beautifully written debut novel seduces us into accommodating Isabel's decision to keep this 'gift from God.'

    The emotional depth and moral dilemmas are compelling.

    The novel's beautiful writing draws readers into the protagonist's world.

Appears in Lists