Lighthouse, The (SALT MODERN FICTION)

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The widower Rupert Maycroft seems overwhelmed by the responsibilities he faces as administrator of the Combe Island Trust once Nathan Oliver is found murdered. The doctor Guy Staveley also faces an enormous challenge in having to tend to two patients with SARS. Why are these men so timid in terms of their own abilities, and how do they perform under pressure? Is the crisis on the island ultimately good for both of them?

Among the guests are artist Lily Briscoe, who is struggling to paint a portrait of Mrs. Ramsay, and young philosopher Charles Tansley, who is brazenly critical of female artists. Charles claims that women, like Lily, can neither paint nor write, but most of his haughty attitude comes from his own feelings of insignificance. Published in 2022, The Great Lighthouses of Ireland is an excellent compilation of Irish lighthouses featuring lots of historical photographs and information. Lighthouse Encyclopedia: The Definitive Reference by Ray Jones Amy and Ryan are both struggling with life challenges. Amy is broken by the tragic death of her mother. Ryan is shattered by his father's devastating illness. Their unexpected connection brings a welcome distraction for both of them.

READERS GUIDE

I enjoyed this book because it is set in the war and it gives you the feel of what it was like to be in it. My favourite character was Olive because she had a lot of courage and she did things for other people that needed help. She was always looking after her little brother Cliff even though it was tough. When I had read this book, it made me want to read lots more like it because it made you feel as if you were one of the characters. This book made me feel like I wanted to research the war and find out the little things that I did not realise about it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes lighthouses and coded messages.

During the course of the afternoon, Paul proposes to Minta, Lily begins her painting, Mrs. Ramsay soothes the resentful James, and Mr. Ramsay frets over his shortcomings as a philosopher, periodically turning to Mrs. Ramsay for comfort. That evening, the Ramsays host a seemingly ill-fated dinner party. Paul and Minta are late returning from their walk on the beach with two of the Ramsays’ children. Lily bristles at outspoken comments made by Charles Tansley, who suggests that women can neither paint nor write. Mr. Ramsay reacts rudely when Augustus Carmichael, a poet, asks for a second plate of soup. As the night draws on, however, these missteps right themselves, and the guests come together to make a memorable evening. The Lamplighters was possibly inspired by the mystery of Flannan Isles Lighthouse, when three lighthouse keepers vanished from their station. This particular novel is set in Cornwall in 1972 when three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse. What happened to them? The Light Between Oceans by M L StedmanDesperate for sleep, Amy draws a bath and begins her relaxation process only to be startled awake by a strange man in her bathroom, who she would later come to know as Ryan Porter. The Ramsays host a number of guests, including the dour Charles Tansley, who admires Mr. Ramsay’s work as a metaphysical philosopher. Also at the house is Lily Briscoe, a young painter who begins a portrait of Mrs. Ramsay. Mrs. Ramsay wants Lily to marry William Bankes, an old friend of the Ramsays, but Lily resolves to remain single. Mrs. Ramsay does manage to arrange another marriage, however, between Paul Rayley and Minta Doyle, two of their acquaintances.

Then comes a chance to go to Seabrook, a small town with a historical lighthouse. Amy’s father has to close a cold case and hopes he gets to spend time with Amy, even if it is only for a day in the town. Character driven and emotional, this story will touch your heart. The author gives authenticity to how deeply grief and hardship can impact one's life both physically and mentally. Since its publication, readers have said the lighthouse symbolizes things like desire, stability, and truth. Woolf, however, didn’t assign any symbolism to the lighthouse herself. The Lighthouse is a slow build adult fiction with hints of romance and mystery. But it is so much more and I can’t say a great deal more without giving away the story. I can say that I was taken away by the plot and was very moved by the storyline. Carefully structured in three sections (“The Window”; “Time Passes”; “The Lighthouse”), To the Lighthouse follows the shifting perspectives of each character—a narrative technique Woolf had experimented with in her previous books, Jacob’s Room and Mrs. Dalloway—as they grapple with themes such as time, loss, gender roles, and the purpose of art. It wasn’t even close to the construction of a classic novel, and it wasn’t meant to be.

Emma really described the characters, their personalities and brought them to life. I extremely liked Olive because she reminded me of a friend from Cornwall (caring). I can really imagine living in the war from reading this book as the description can draw a picture in my mind.