The Light Between Oceans cover art

The Light Between Oceans

A Novel

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The Light Between Oceans

By: M L Stedman
Narrated by: Noah Taylor
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About this listen

After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s journey from the coast.

To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

Tom, who keeps meticulous records and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel insists the baby is a 'gift from God,' and against Tom’s judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

©2012 M. L. Stedman (P)2014 Audible Studios Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Social Policy Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

“irresistible…seductive…with a high concept plot that keeps you riveted from the first page” ( O, The Oprah Magazine)
All stars
Most relevant
Narrated by a most tender voice, I cried and couldn't stop wanting to hear more of this story. a young family caught up in a tragedy ,in a small Australian country town. It's a powerful story written and read in a gentle yet thought provoking way. Be warned tissues are a must.

hauntingly beautiful never forgotten

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I really enjoyed the characters and plot. Unfortunately, the narrator’s voice would often trail off towards the ends of sentences which made it difficult to hear properly when there was other noise (e.g. in the car).

Great story

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Great story, didn’t think narrator was the right choice for this book. Bit of a sad ending. But beautifully told.

Lovely

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A gentle tale where a genuinely well-meaning decision has major ramifications. Miscommunication and moral and ethical dilemma presented with beautifully crafted words and descriptions. Noah's voice has the necessary gentleness but at times he seems to swallow his words, making them hard to catch. I look forward to more by this author.

Beautiful

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My goodness what an amazing wonderful story. Thank you Noah for the fabulous narration of this wonderfully written book

Brilliant!!

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A beautifully written story. Well developed characters set on the coat of Western Australia post WW1. Highly recommended.

Amazing story

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This book was so hard to put down. I devoured it in large chunks over three days - unfortunately I had to to get any work done.

A truly excellent book

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Quite emotional story; could not rid of a feeling that it's probably somebody's true story.
a bit slow in the beginning, and the narrator was a bit difficult to listen and understand as the speech was a bit mumbling the words.

good read

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I loved the story but it was very sad for all parties. It certainly brought home the immense grief of losing a baby.

Beyond Sad

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I loved this book, though it's affected me so much, I think I'm going to need some time before I can feel happy again! (Oh, and the narration is great - well paced, expressive, and no silly fake accents!)

Devastatingly sad and beautiful

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.