17 February 2017

Book vs. Movie: The Light Between Oceans

In 2012 I reviewed The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, giving it 5 stars. I enjoyed exploring the moral dilemma faced by the young married couple living on remote Janus Island post World War I. Tom is seeking refuge after the war and applies for the job of lighthouse keeper on Janus Island off the coast of Australia. He meets and marries Isabel and together they try to start a family; albeit unsuccessfully. When a baby in a boat washes ashore, they're faced with a moral dilemma and the repercussions of the dilemma weigh heavy on them both.

When I learned the book was being made into a film, I was excited and hopeful the movie would successfully capture the stunning scenery and communicate the isolation. I needn't have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed the film - and the cinematography in particular - and recognised a few well-known Aussie actors amongst the cast members. It's a slow and atmospheric movie exploring love and grief, so those looking for action and adventure will need to look elsewhere.

In this case I maintain the book was better, but the movie was a solid and true translation of the novel and was entertaining on the big screen. You don't need to have read the book to enjoy the movie.

Carpe Librum!

Would you like to comment?

  1. I agree with you. I loved the book and was not disappointed with the movie. I was bemused by some movie reviewers however who either did not watch or understand the movie and/or had not read the book because they complained that it was an unappealing romance...I was very drawn to the social dilemma and found both book and movie very emotionally convincing.

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  2. Thanks Rosalie, great to hear from another reader who enjoyed the book and the movie.

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  3. I haven't seen the movie yet but the book was phenomenal. Such loss and grief elegantly portrayed. I hope this author writes another novel, I would love to read more by her.

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  4. Thanks Tina, I agree. I hope she's working on something wonderful.

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  5. Nice to see this. I have read the book and also seen the movie. The movie "The Light Between Oceans" was awesome. And the book was also great. cheap bibliography helper.

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  6. Glad you enjoyed the movie Brenda, I enjoyed it too.

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Thanks for your comment, Carpe Librum!