Reviews tagging 'Child death'

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

20 reviews

silverrose187's review

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

3.0


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jodieworton's review against another edition

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

3.0

This book I read with my book swap team, we all had a copy and have read this month. 

The story surrounds a couple (Thomas and Isabelle) who live on an island with the sole purpose to look after the lighthouse that is stationed there. 

After being on the island for a couple of years and the awful three miscarriages Isabelle endures, they find a baby lost at sea, their father has already passed away when their boat drifted ashore with him dead within.

In Isabelle’s state of mind she assumes the baby has no mother and no other family and that they should keep her, whilst Tom has conflicting thoughts. As lighthouse keeper everything has to be documented, this would mean him omitting what has happened.

They decide to keep her, and name her Lucy. For a few years all seems ok, they then need to head to the main land, it’s from this visit they meet Lucy’s real mother and a moral dilemma ensues.
In Toms mind it is clear what needs to be done, return Lucy to her mother, however for Isabelle that is not an option.

This is a slow burn and it needs to be to understand the motivation of the characters. Since reading, i’ve thought about it a few times and the predicament the main couple are faced with you do end up feeling for both sides.


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sydney2020's review

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

5.0


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melissamaee_'s review

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

5.0


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udari's review against another edition

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

3.5


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old_murr's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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

5.0

I was captivated and devastated by this book, including the characters and the plot. I didn’t want it to end but the resolution couldn’t get there soon enough. I kept finding myself asking the characters “what were  you thinking?!?” 

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ceaselesslyintothebooks's review

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

4.0


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matildai's review

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emotional sad slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

 #mireadingchallenge A Best Seller

I actually stated into an update that it's a book made into a movie (which it is), but I had it noted in my master list as a best seller (I have a different book lined up as the movie book).

Tom a ww1 veteran takes an isolating job as a lighthouse keeper on Janus Island.

On a visit back to the main shore he meets and falls in love with Isobel.

Taking on another term of lighthouse duties they live on Janus Island.

After 2 miscarriages and a stillborn Isobel is in the depths of what we now know as PND.

One day a dinghy washes up onshore. Inside a dead man and a baby.

This book is full of emotions. As you watch the two words and two families collide over a child.

It's about love, forgiveness and will make you question rights and wrongs.

Ps.
I bought this book before I saw the movie, but alas I watched the movie before reading the book. I watched the movie ages ago so there were details I couldn't remember. I rate the book higher than the movie but I also think I need to rewatch it. 

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piapoyopi's review

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0


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jench391's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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