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  • The Light Between Oceans

  • By: M L Stedman
  • Narrated by: Noah Taylor
  • Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (901 ratings)

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The Light Between Oceans

By: M L Stedman
Narrated by: Noah Taylor
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Summary

The crying persisted. The door of the lighthouse clanged in the distance, and Tom's tall frame appeared on the gallery as he scanned the island with the binoculars. 'Izzy!' he yelled, 'a boat!' He vanished and re-emerged at ground level. 'It's a boat all right,' Tom declared. 'And – oh cripes! There's a bloke, but –' The figure was motionless, yet the cries still rang out. He hoisted out a woollen bundle: a woman's soft lavender cardigan wrapped around a tiny, screaming infant.

Tom Sherbourne, released from the horrors of the First World War, is now a lighthouse keeper, cocooned on a remote island with his young wife Izzy, who is content in everything but her failure to have a child.

One April morning, a boat washes ashore carrying a dead man - and a crying baby. Safe from the real world, Tom and Izzy break the rules and follow their hearts.

It is a decision with devastating consequences.

Australian actor NOAH TAYLOR made his name in critically acclaimed films such as The Year My Voice Broke and Shine, and has also appeared in high-profile blockbusters such as the two Lara Croft Tomb Raider films and Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He recently starred in the accomplished British comedy Submarine.

Winner of the Historical Writers' Association/Goldsboro Crown award for Debut Historical Fiction

©2012 M L Stedman (P)2012 Random House AudioGo
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What listeners say about The Light Between Oceans

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Tear jerkers

oh boy! The last half of this book nearly killed me - it's so desperately sad. I was a wreck when it finished!

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Unusual story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend as it is unusual and well written but not to be recommended to a friend who is feeling down!

What did you like best about this story?

The story is unpredictable and sad but I wanted to know what happened to the characters placed in such an awful no win situation

Have you listened to any of Noah Taylor’s other performances? How does this one compare?

First one but I was impressed

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing narration ♡

Loved the narrators voice, really made thr story and characters come to life. didn't like the end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

loved it. really enjoyed the narration and the characters were so real that you were praying for the right outcome, this right outcome will be different for each reader.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable

Very good story and very well narated. Pleased iread the book before seeing the film.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Any additional comments?

A compelling story looking at the impact that a single decision made in a moment can totally change lives. A facinating drama that is set against a wild and desolate environment. The tale is beautifully written and narrated. The reader/ listener is quickly drawn into the emotional context of the narrative.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Slow, thoughtful, tragic

Ultimately the cleverness of this book is contained in its ability to make the reader root for those in the 'wrong'. Haunting, beautiful and sad it's a tale that could veer into melodrama but never does. Fans of Kate Morton might find this as a more literary companion to her canon. Enjoy.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story but poor narration

Engaging and original story but spoilt by the gabbled narration that made it hard work to listen to. Such a shame the narrator didn't slow down and speak more clearly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

bad narration

I cant finish the book, the narration is so bad. The story had me hooked straight away and I was sure I would be able to persevere with Noah - but alas not! Dan O'Grady (The Rosie Project) should have done it, he's a Kiwi too, but amazing to listen to.
I/m sorry Noah, no hard feelings.
I shall have to get this book in paper back.

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