Historical · Literary
The Light Between Oceans
After the First World War, a lighthouse keeper and his wife live in isolation on a remote Australian island, grieving their lost pregnancies. When a boat washes ashore with a baby, they make a choice that will change many lives.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Medium
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like emotional novels that dwell on a moral dilemma where nobody is simply right or wrong.
Skip this if you want to avoid stories about miscarriage, infant loss and parental grief.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Light Between Oceans
- What is The Light Between Oceans about?
- After the First World War, a lighthouse keeper and his wife live in isolation on a remote Australian island, grieving their lost pregnancies. When a boat washes ashore with a baby, they make a choice that will change many lives.
- Who should read The Light Between Oceans?
- Read it if you like emotional novels that dwell on a moral dilemma where nobody is simply right or wrong. Skip it if you want to avoid stories about miscarriage, infant loss and parental grief.
- How long and how fast is The Light Between Oceans?
- It is a slow-paced, medium read, first published in 2012.
- Does The Light Between Oceans have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Miscarriage, Death, Grief, War.
- Can I borrow The Light Between Oceans for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Light Between Oceans; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Light Between Oceans?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Atonement, My Sister's Keeper, The Remains of the Day.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved The Light Between Oceans
-
Atonement Another novel where a single decision made in the heat of the moment reshapes people's lives after a war.
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My Sister's Keeper Another family drama driven by an agonising ethical choice and a legal fallout.
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The Remains of the Day
A quieter, more restrained story of a life shaped by duty and the things left unsaid.
Historical
