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The Light Between Oceans

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Discover the sweeping Sunday Times bestselling and prize-winning novel, made into a major motion picture starring Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, and Rachel Weisz.

After experiencing the horrors of The Western Front, Tom moves to Janus Island to work as a lighthouse keeper. He hopes that life on the remote island with his wife Izzy will bring him peace following the war.
The two of them are happy together, although frustrations arise the longer they try for a child that never comes.
But then, one day, a boat washes up on the shore of their little island. In it, lies a dead man - and a crying baby.

Faced with an impossible decision, Tom and Izzy do what they think is right and follow their hearts. What happens next will break yours.

NEARLY FIVE MILLION COPIES SOLD
'An extraordinary book. Unforgettable' Guardian
'Irresistible . . . a high concept plot that keeps you riveted from the first page' Oprah Magazine
'A love story that is both persuasive and tender' Sunday Times
‘A moving tale. One of this year's must-reads’ Stylist Magazine

© M L Stedman 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 20th Century Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Tear-jerking

Critic reviews

A love story that is both persuasive and tender
An extraordinary book . . . Unforgettable
A description of the extraordinary, sustaining power of a marriage to bind two people together in love
It is not only the plot that it so compelling . . . What makes this wonderful novel stand out is the cast of emotionally fragile characters, all of whom inspire tremendous sympathy in the reader
A moving tale . . . prepare to weep
Irresistible . . . seductive . . . a high concept plot that keeps you riveted from the first page
A spectacularly sure storyteller . . . Reading The Light Between Oceans is a total-immersion experience, extraordinarily moving.
The Light Between Oceans unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. Into the spaces between words, Stedman breathes an anxiety and pulsating intensity that roils with the ocean and the lighthouse beacon
Book of the Week. Everyone is buzzing about The Light Between Oceans, the gripping debut from M L Stedman
The characters are beautifully drawn . . . A completely unique read. ****
All stars
Most relevant
This is a novel about a man and his wife who live on a remote rock/island manning the lighthouse. They have lost several babies and then a boat is swept up with a dead man and a very young baby in it. They keep the baby and pass her off as theirs.
Of course, eventually the truth catches up with them and they discover the story behind the baby coming to them and then they know who the mother is and the impact of her loss on her. But the child now loves them and they her - is it more cruel to give her back or keep her?

This audio book is an excellent story which keeps you gripped. The narrative is at times poetic and lilting, the rendition of the island of the lighthouse is deftly handled so much so that you feel you are there.

My main problem with the story was the narration by Noah Taylor. He reads it with feeling and grace and I think for 75% of the story contributes to the enjoyment of the whole thing, however, at times when the story is at a crucial point he speeds up!! so much so that I would have to replay as I find I cant take in the meaning if the words are coming too fast. This may have been a purely personal thing as others dont seem to have had this problem - and I would still highly recommend this audiobook.

The Light Between the Oceans

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I like to read a book before I see the movie a few neg reviews on this but not deserved . Sensitive reading

Excellent

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After several miscarriages a newly-wed couple living in isolation on a remote lighthouse, are in despair of ever having a child of their own until a boat is washed aboard containing a baby and her dead father. Isabel persuades Tom that this is the answer to their prayers, a gift of God, and they make a decision that will have repercussions forever.
Are they bad people or are they good people who make a bad decision?

I liked this book because it didn’t have a neat plot, containing perfect. Everyone seemed to be dysfunctional, making bad decisions that they justify. It is hard not to sympathise with all the characters affected by the repercussions of the decision, including Tom and Isabel, even though you know that there can’t possibly be a happy ending for everyone.

Bad decisions made by dysfunctional people

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What made the experience of listening to The Light Between Oceans the most enjoyable?

I love stories with a setting by the sea and the idea of isolation - physically and emotionally.

What did you like best about this story?

It was an honest and poignant glimpse on the nuances of being human.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I enjoyed it all!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Endurance, Love and Consequences

Any additional comments?

I really loved the setting and the narrator was a perfect choice. I recommend this book.

A Truly Original Story

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

I'm afraid I couldn't understand the narrator. His voice has a pleasant tone, but his diction was really poor. Often he spoke so fast I couldn't process it, and some sections were so softly spoken as to be almost completely inaudible.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Isobel because she was feisty.

What three words best describe Noah Taylor’s performance?

Mumbling, fast, inaudible.

Was The Light Between Oceans worth the listening time?

Yes, but with a better narrator - or this one after elocution lessons.

Any additional comments?

I don't think I have ever listened to a book with such frustration. The writing seemed strong, but I couldn't hear a lot of it!

Spoilt by narrator

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