Reviews

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

lewiss18's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

rr_author's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This book made me angry and sad. There were some happy moments too, but mostly a lot of, "OH NO. This is bad." I stayed up late reading it, and it made me cry a little bit, which does not happen often.
I wanted to yell at some of the characters... Looking at you - Isabella.
I wanted to give others hugs and the happy ending they deserved... Yes, I do mean Tom and the baby. AND FRANK. Especially poor Frank.
Usually when characters make bad decisions, it makes me hate the book. But this one was just so interesting that I couldn't put it down even when I was mad at the characters.
The descriptions were beautiful! The historical setting and the scenery were very well written. The plot was intense and suspenseful.
I would have liked to read more about Hannah and Frank, before things went bad for them and he died at sea, but I understand why it wasn't included.
Overall I give it 4.5/5, taking a mark off for some content I'm not a fan of. A little too much kissing for my tastes, and if I remember correctly there was one or two swear words.

trin's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

This was wildly popular at my bookstore in the early 2010s and I remember loathing it -- though I no longer remember why. (Probably it was melodrama disguised as litfic. Just be honest with your cheese!)

bethany__mary's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

hirvimaki's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

Not bad. Not great. A rather ominous and depressing tale set in a lovely - and beautifully described - landscape cluttered with an over abundance of pointless dialogue.

mimster's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Well written, enjoyed it - read library book for deerness book group 

rosemwood's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A heart-wrenching story of consequences and how they affect so many lives. A complex story that was a very very slow read. It was hard at times to keep reading. I did enjoy the discreption of the lighthouse and the island it is on. There are multiple POV's which added to the story.

lizzycatslibrary's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

If I hadn't had a drive from Atlanta to Chicago and then Chicago and back I doubt I would have finished this one. It was just too much. Too much whining. Too much emotional turmoil. Blah blah blah I get it. You are torn. Either do something about it or stop complaining. Also by the end of the book I pretty much hated Isabelle. Bah.

aneesa_siddique's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Absolutely heartbreaking.
I didn’t realise the emotional impact of the book until I got to the very last page.

abitterknitter's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25