The Light Between Oceans Audiobook By M.L. Stedman cover art

The Light Between Oceans

A Novel

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The Light Between Oceans

By: M.L. Stedman
Narrated by: Noah Taylor
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$8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offer ends July 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.

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The captivating and beautiful years-long New York Times bestseller and major motion picture, now in a gorgeous new package designed for the modern reader.

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.

Accolades & Awards

Goodreads Choice Award
2012
Goodreads Choice Award Historical Fiction Family Life Heartfelt Tearjerking Fiction Literary Fiction Genre Fiction Sagas Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins
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Emotional Depth • Moral Complexity • Authentic Australian Accent • Well-developed Characters • Vivid Setting

Highly rated for:

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Most relevant

Would you consider the audio edition of The Light Between Oceans to be better than the print version?

In this case, no.

What other book might you compare The Light Between Oceans to and why?

The telling of any story is so much the narration. The Bryce Courtnay books are all read by an Australian or New Zealand artist. His performance enhances the quality of the book.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator mumbles, lacks inflection and drops the end of every sentence. Reading the books should be treated as a performance. This one totally misses the mark. I will make note of this narrator's name and will try to not buy a book he narrates.

Any additional comments?

The narrator ruined this experience for me.

Great story less than great narration.

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I had been wanted to read this book for a while now, but regret buying the audio book. I felt like I missed a third of the story because the reader trailed off at the end of sentences and at time mumbled through words. I've listened to many books with Australian or British accents, but never struggled to understand what they were saying as much as this book. While I liked the story overall, I can't help feeling I missed things in the audio version. Disappointing.

Good story, disappointed in audio performance

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This was a great story which was very well written. I was intrigued by what life would be like tending a light house with the love of your life where all you have is one another.

That being said the narration of the story was very hard for me to understand. The reason for this is possibly the British accent was very heavy at times throughout the story that after rewinding several times to see if I could make out what he was saying, I just fave up and went on with the story.

I do recommend this book and think it is definitely worth listening to. I gave the story 4 stars out of 5 because I reserve my five star ratings for only my most favorite reads.

Very Good Story , the narrator was hard to understand at times

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Love the guy who read this book!!! 5 star story all the way. That decision would your heart out. What a great "read". Gotta check out this movie.

Great Narrarator!!!

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What did you like best about this story?

No judgment is placed on any of the characters. You get to decide for yourself. Also, the imagery was incredible.

What does Noah Taylor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

At first I did not like Noah's speech idiosyncrasies, and found him to be boring. After about halfway through, I felt like he was the perfect person for this story. I liked his soothing tone and different impersonations.

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

No, too much imagery to take in all at once.

Any additional comments?

Get through the first bit, and you won't regret it!

Slow at first, but overall it was excellent

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