Book Review: The Light Between Oceans
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5/5
Three things are rare when it comes to me and books. First, someone buys me a book and I actually like it; second, it takes me less than two weeks to read a book; and third, I pass a book on to my grandma because I think it’s so good. M L Stedman’s The Light Between Oceans managed to become all three of those rarities.
Romantacism is the true theme of this book. Set just after the First World War, we have Tom, who fought and who lost, on his way to become a lighthouse keeper. He wants a quiet life where he, in his view, can do no more harm to the world. Then he meets Isabel, and they live on the lighthouse’s island, Janus, together. But when Tom and Isabel, who has trouble with pregancy, find a baby washed up on the island, the novel takes a turn.
The Light Between Oceans is a story of right and wrong – not just of love. It shows you just how far someone can be pushed if they love someone. But it also tells us that it is love that both drives us absolutely mad, and also makes us come to a rational conclusion in the end.
M L Stedman’s writing is so easy to read. As soon as I opened the book, I could not put it down. It was like I was devouring every page – and not once did I get bored of reading. The storyline does indeed sound preposterous, but once you read, you find out more and more and a huge, well-developed, inter-connecting plot unravells before your eyes.
This novel is truly breathtaking. It’s the best thing I’ve read in a very long time – and my grandma thought so too.