4 Seasons Book Club: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Join us to discuss The Light Between Oceans, M.L. Stedman's acclaimed work of Australian historical fiction and Goodreads Choice Awards Best Historical Fiction (2012).

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.

The 4 Seasons Book Club meets quarterly to discuss pre-selected works of modern fiction and celebrated classics. We decide what to read by group vote approximately 6-8 weeks before each book club meeting. Our Fall theme is "Members' Choice" (books suggested in the past by book club regulars.)

Anyone is welcome to participate but Book Club copies are limited. Contact Joyce, jwheatley@tcpl.org, if you are interested in reserving a copy and joining us.