Lighten our darkness

The Light Between Oceans by M.L.Stedman is an emotionally charged read with beautiful descriptions of the seascape and skies. It covers the 10 years that Tom and Isabelle lived on Janus Rock as lighthouse keepers. An isolated life for them until a miracle happens and then a wonderful life until reality catches up with them. What happens, how they cope, what decisions they each make, what effect that has on other people is carefully and suspensefully drawn out.
I listened to this novel as an audio book and was completely involved in the characters and their difficulties, commenting out loud at certain events and crying often. Realistic characters included the kind sea captain, Isabelle's puzzled mother and Lucy Grace who is at the centre of the story.
Each character, episode and decision is credible and agonising because of the uncovering of the background and the reasons relating to them. Although the first novel by this Australian writer, this is accomplished and effective writing that engages your attention from start to finish.

See also the full review by Maggie Rainey-Smith