17 Apr Book Review: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Some stories have a way of lodging themselves deep into your heart, and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is undoubtedly one of them. Published in 2012, this debut novel quickly captured readers’ attention with its evocative prose and morally complex narrative. Stedman, originally from Western Australia, paints a vivid picture of her homeland, immersing readers in the isolated beauty of Janus Rock.​

What’s it about?

After enduring the horrors of World War I, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia seeking solace and a fresh start. He accepts a position as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, a remote island off the western coast, where the supply boat visits only quarterly, and shore leaves are rare. For Tom, the isolation offers a refuge from his haunting past and a chance to find peace.​

During a visit to the mainland town of Point Partageuse, Tom meets Isabel Graysmark, a spirited and vivacious young woman. Despite the challenges posed by his secluded lifestyle, the two fall deeply in love. Isabel is drawn to the idea of life on Janus Rock, romanticizing the notion of starting a family in the serene isolation of the island. They marry and begin their life together on the windswept rock, filled with hope and dreams of the future.​

However, their dreams of parenthood are met with heartache. Isabel suffers two miscarriages and a stillbirth, each loss chipping away at her once-bright spirit. The weight of grief hangs heavily over the couple, casting shadows on their once idyllic existence. Tom, ever the steadfast and dutiful husband, watches helplessly as his wife retreats into sorrow.​

One April morning, shortly after Isabel’s latest miscarriage, fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. A dinghy washes ashore carrying a dead man and a crying infant girl. Isabel sees the baby’s arrival as a divine gift, a chance to heal and finally become the mother she’s longed to be. She pleads with Tom to keep the child, to raise her as their own without reporting the incident—a direct violation of the rules Tom holds dear.​

Tom is torn between his moral compass and his love for Isabel. He knows the right course of action is to report the discovery, but he also sees the light rekindled in Isabel’s eyes as she cradles the baby. Against his better judgment, he agrees to her plan. They name the child Lucy and begin to raise her, weaving a tapestry of lies to cover their secret.​

For a time, their lives are filled with joy. Lucy becomes the center of their world, and the island seems to embrace their newfound happiness. Tom and Isabel find a rhythm in their deception, convincing themselves that their actions are justified by the love they provide the child.​

However, the weight of their decision begins to press down on Tom. During a trip to the mainland for Lucy’s christening, he learns of Hannah Roennfeldt, a woman from Point Partageuse who has been mourning the disappearance of her husband and infant daughter, Grace, lost at sea around the same time Lucy arrived in their lives. The realization that Lucy is, in fact, Grace Roennfeldt shakes Tom to his core.​

Guilt gnaws at him, and he anonymously sends Hannah a note, assuring her that her daughter is alive and loved. This act sets off a chain of events that unravel the carefully constructed life he and Isabel have built. The authorities become involved, secrets are exposed, and the couple faces the devastating consequences of their choices.​

As the truth comes to light, Tom and Isabel are forced to confront the moral implications of their actions. Their love is tested in unimaginable ways, and they must navigate the turbulent waters of guilt, justice, and redemption. The story delves deep into the complexities of human emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the gray areas that exist between right and wrong.​

What This Chick Thinks

Emotional Depth and Moral Complexity

Stedman doesn’t just tell a story; she immerses you in the emotional turmoil of her characters. The moral dilemmas faced by Tom and Isabel are portrayed with such nuance that you find yourself empathizing with both sides, questioning what you might do in their place. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that there are no clear villains here—just flawed humans making impossible choices.​

Vivid Setting as a Character

The isolation of Janus Rock isn’t just a backdrop; it feels like a character in its own right. The descriptions of the relentless sea, the ever-present wind, and the stark beauty of the lighthouse create an atmosphere that’s both enchanting and suffocating. You can almost hear the waves crashing and feel the salty air on your skin.​

Pacing and Narrative Flow

The novel unfolds at a pace that allows for deep character exploration. Some might find it slow-moving, but I appreciated the time spent delving into the psyches of Tom and Isabel. Their internal struggles and evolving relationship are given the space they need to feel authentic and impactful.​

Tearjerker Alert

Fair warning: this book tugs at the heartstrings. It’s not a light read, emotionally speaking. The themes of loss, longing, and the consequences of our choices are explored with unflinching honesty. Keep tissues handy—you might need them.​

Final Thoughts

The Light Between Oceans is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of human emotion and morality. Stedman’s prose is lyrical, her characters deeply human, and her setting vividly alive. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the repercussions they carry. I’d rate it a solid 9 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – A beautifully layered family mystery spanning continents and generations, with deep emotional resonance and hidden secrets at its core.
• The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff – Set during WWII, this story about a travelling circus and two women protecting a child explores the same moral ambiguity and fierce maternal love.
• The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – Blending past and present timelines, this novel examines the weight of long-held secrets and the emotional consequences of split-second decisions.