The Light Between Oceans: A Novel

A beautifully written, heartbreaking story. Felt very authentic and held true to the follies of human nature, right to the very end. Audio quality, however, was not great and narrator was difficult to understand at times, but overall, a very enjoyable listen.

Really liked the plot as it was complicated. Began the hardback and switched to this audio book and enjoyed it

Interesting storyline. The historical period and context is not something I would typically read or listen to but I decided to try something new. There were points where I lost interest but it is hard to know whether it was just the storyline or if it was more to do with the narrator. I think the main character was meant to come off as kind of dry and that was expressed via the narrator. I would maybe recommend this book to someone who likes period, crime, love stories.

Oh, my, this was painful. The grief we cause ourselves by choices we make. The heartache of love turned ugly by not accepting reality. It makes me explore the questions: Is having a child more important than your own happiness? Can one be happy and childless? Age old questions. To have a child ripped away from you is one of the most painful experiences in life, I agree. How we handle the situation is what is important to our quality of life. Superb book.

I liked the story, in fact I selected it for our bookclub. I listen to audiobooks, during my work commute. I found the narrator very difficult to listen to. He constantly speaks loud and then super quiet, so you have to quickly adjust the volume, over and over. It was very annoying.

Enjoyed the book but did not like the reading style of narrator. I had to constantly turn up the volume. He lowered his voice so much at the end of a sentence I couldn't hear or understand him. Then when he read normal, I'd have to turn volume down.

This was a great book! It just took awhile for me to realize that. I had a hard time understanding the narrator's voice at the beginning so I almost quit the book. Strong accent and fluctuates the words to a whisper at times. I'm so glad I stuck with it though! It was a beautiful and painful story to listen to and when it was over I was so sad. Heartbreaking and gut wrenching and so special. I can't wait to see the movie play out in front of me. Once the story started turning and you could see the main plot form the narrator's voice fit perfectly. Tender and loving and you could tell the strength the main male character had through the narrator's voice.

I found the first 2/3's pretty slow, until the plot development nearer to the end, that's when it finally gripped me.

Can't really review the book. I couldn't get passed the narrator. This score is for him.

I thought I was safe picking a book that was being made into a movie. It was just okay. But I enjoy more plot twists and not so much sad realism.

I agree the narrator is difficult to listen to. He's very hard to hear at times and not an exciting voice to listen to. However, if you can stick it out and try to pay attention, the last few chapters are very worth the effort. I imagine the movie will be wonderful.

I cannot get used to the narrator. His sentences fall off at the end. It is really hard to get into. I need to read this with my own eyes.

I have tried to get into this book repeatedly, but I cannot! The narrator has a heavy accent and really puts me to sleep. I love listening to books, but with this one I find my mind wandering. I have to stop and replay only to find myself again thinking about other random things simply because it is not captivating.

This was a really good story. However the narrator had a heavy Australian accent and I had to listen very carefully, but still worth it.

I enjoyed this story of love, basic emotions and commitment.

What a beautiful, well written story. However I did not care for the narrator. He was difficult to understand at times, mumbling, slow and monotone.

Loved the story. I couldn't stop listening! The readers voice was hard to get used to, and at times i had to rewind to hear what he said. Can't wait to see the movie!

Great book, engaging story. Had to get used to the slow reading however.

Loved it. Glad I picked it as my first audiobook. It started a little slow but I hung in there and it got better and better.

*THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* I added this book to my Wish List and then later noticed that it was turned into a movie so I wanted to hurry up and listen to it before it comes out. The story is slower paced but not at all boring since the emotions are so heartbreaking. This story makes you feel for everyone involved. You root for Isabel and Tom and for the family they created but also know its wrong. Then when Hannah comes into the picture you feel for her too. You want Hannah to have her child back yet at the same time don't want Isabel and Tom to lose her either. Its just like the description says, there is no right answer or right path that doesn't lead to loss. It makes you wonder what you would do in their situation. Great story and now I'm even more excited for the movie when it comes out.

Good story with an ending that brings a realistic closure to the series of events. Narrator accent is authentic but drops voice at end of sentences that sometimes made it hard to hear what was said.

This book surprised me. I purchased it on a whim... Was not expecting much. Wow, it was very good. The story is quickly sucks you in. It is very well written with amazing character development. As a reader (listener) you begin to care for and empathize with the characters - ALL of them, making it obvious that there are no clear amswers in life. The narration was also very good. He has a very natural cadence and rhythm. Overall one of the better books I have purchased this year.

The big question of this book is basically “how far would you go for someone you love?” Would you give up your own morals and go against everything you know if the woman you loved asked for it? Faced with keeping or returning a lost baby Stedman does a wonderful job of not influencing your decision over whom to side with: she never gives you a clear-cut “bad guy” or “good guy”. A perfect book if you want to spark a debate about love, marriage and honor.

This book makes for a great book club book because there's lots of issues to talk about--mental health, family, justice--but at the end of the day, it's 10+ hours of a bunch of people all making really bad decisions.

Wonderful story. It was not the sort of book I read but tried it because of a recommendation. The narration was with an Australian accent which was perfect.

Stedman's first novel, The Light Between Oceans is a compelling read that explores tragic decisions made by good people. While the tone and melancholy quality of the narrators voice required a little getting used to, the emotional complexity of the story engages readers in the heart-wrenching moral dilemma from from beginning to end.