Jera's Jamboree

Part One, we begin The Light Between Oceans with the washed up boat. Izzy was tending a grave when she heard the baby crying.

Moving backwards in time we find out that Tom is scarred from his childhood and his experiences in WW1. He feels a connection to Janus Rock. Tom doesn’t look to the past or the future, having learnt that the only way is to live in the present. Tom and Izzy meet on the mainland.

We find out about the history of Point Partageuse and how it felt ‘outside’ of the world until WW1 changed the community.

Part Two moves us on to the isolation and the quietness experienced on Janus Rock. Izzy’s loss is poignantly portrayed. Very descriptive, we share this experience in full which pulls at the heart.

Tom is very conscientious, following rules to the letter, giving him a sense of order. When the boat washes up, he goes against the very thing that gives his life structure, not being able to deny Izzy. Feeling uncomfortable, when they’re visiting the mainland, an action he takes has devastating consequences for them. From this moment there is turmoil, lies and deceit. It shows the lengths a woman will go to when nothing assuages the depths of grief.

I enjoyed being a part of Tom and Izzy’s life in 1926. The community on the mainland and the isolation of Janus Rock are excellent settings for the emotional trauma to come to life. The history, not only of the time, but the lighthouses and lightkeepers, is very interesting. I wasn’t sure how it would all end … but of course, when it comes, it is perfect. So right! I was sobbing.

DreamWorks Pictures have acquired the movie rights for The Light Between Oceans (Movie Web) and even knowing what is coming, I know I’ll still be crying!

A debut novel, I will be interested to see what the author will write about next.

I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.