“On the day of the miracle, Isabel was kneeling at the cliff’s edge, tending the small, newly made driftwood cross.”
War can change a man. Love can also change a man. But, can love overcome the damage done by war? After serving in Australia’s military during World War I, Tom signs up for lighthouse duty. Assignments can last for three to six months with no contact with any other human being. The loneliness can drive some men crazy and so can the mercury used in the lighthouses.
The Light Between Oceans was chosen by the book club I belong to. We’ve been choosing books that will be turned into movies so we have two excuses a month to get together – one to discuss the book and another to go see the movie.
Tom meets a girl while on shore leave near Janus Rock. Isabel pursues him as much as she can and they eventually marry. Tom had reservations about bringing someone to the lonely island, but Isabel settles in just fine and sees the beauty all around her. A boat brings supplies every three months. Tragedy hits them as Isabel suffers several miscarriages. Fortune (or fate) brings a baby to the island in a boat with a dead man. Isabel wants to quickly claim the child but Tom wants to report to the authorities. Their decision affects everything else between them for the rest of their lives – and many others around them.
I enjoyed reading this book, although the situations and decisions made by the characters are not always enjoyable or likeable. That is part of the story, though. The story is about choosing love and doing what your heart thinks is right. The very end of the book ties up the story rather quickly and leaves a few questions. I am planning to see the movie and wonder how well it will follow the book.