I love any book which has me wondering: “What would I do?” It goes without saying, therefore, that I loved The Light Between Oceans which held my attention from start to finish. If I were being picky, then
I might indeed argue that it is only the setting - on a remote lighthouse - that makes the turn of events at all possible. Such was the lure of the storytelling that I found it easy to suspend disbelief.
This is the story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife who make a momentous decision, borne out of unbearable heartbreak, which devastates the life of another - and eventually their own lives. War hero Tom Sherbourne, the lighthouse
keeper, will be tortured by the decision he takes for the sake of his beloved wife, Izzy, especially when he sees the impact on others. He is at the same time both complex and simple, the character with whom the reader most identifies. As he tries to put matters
right, everything goes from bad to worse and it looks as if he will lose everything.
It was difficult to predict how the story would end, how justice would
be done, and if and how Tom and Izzy would find any kind of peace. Not everyone will have liked the conclusion but I found it sad and somehow satisfying.
Another
debut novel - another good read. Tissues at the ready, though!