Reviews

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

annaszell's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

missburgaodelmar's review against another edition

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3.0

I got very interested up to 3/4 of the book, then I struggled to continue.
Well written and able to touch your little potato.

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

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3.0

So good.

english_lady03's review against another edition

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4.0

Lovely book. I've seen the movie twice, and it appears the movie sticks quite close to the book. More detailed review later.

grooovyzeee's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

spookydook's review against another edition

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5.0

This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. There was so much emotion involved by the end of the book I was crying my eyes out. I feel no matter how you look at this story lives were going to be torn one way or another. Just amazing.

bookdragon_sam's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

smreads24's review against another edition

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

3.75


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jjhende's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-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? It's complicated

5.0

bookish_olga's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 
"The Light Between Oceans" is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you reeling long after you've turned the last page. As a self-proclaimed tear-jerker aficionado, this book hit all the right notes, making me reach for the tissues more times than I care to admit.

What struck me most was the intricate balance between love, loss, and the haunting weight of decisions made in the face of desperation. Stedman weaves a tale set against the breathtaking backdrop of an Australian lighthouse, drawing readers into the moral quagmire of Tom and Isabel's choices.

While I was engrossed in the haunting beauty of the narrative, I couldn't shake the feeling that Tom's character deserved more depth, especially considering his wartime experiences. A deeper exploration of his past would have added layers to his motivations and struggles, enriching the overall story.
Despite this, Stedman's prose is as captivating as it is poignant. Each page is imbued with a sense of longing and heartache, pulling at your emotions until you're fully invested in the fate of every character, especially little Lucy.

Admittedly, the pacing can feel sluggish at times, akin to the ebb and flow of waves against the lighthouse rock. Yet, it's precisely this deliberate pace that allows for the gradual unfolding of the narrative's complexities, ultimately leading to a crescendo of emotion that leaves you breathless.
In the end, "The Light Between Oceans" is an experience that lingers, inviting you to ponder the depths of human nature and the enduring power of love, even in the face of heartbreaking decisions. Despite my yearning for more depth in certain aspects, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone willing to embark on an emotional journey they won't soon forget.