From The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home comes a historical novel inspired by true events, and the extraordinary female lighthouse keepers of the past two hundred years.“They call me a heroine, but I am not deserving of such accolades. I am just an ordinary young woman who did her duty.”1838: Northumberland, England. Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands has been … Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands has been Grace Darling’s home for all of her twenty-two years. When she and her father rescue shipwreck survivors in a furious storm, Grace becomes celebrated throughout England, the subject of poems, ballads, and plays. But far more precious than her unsought fame is the friendship that develops between Grace and a visiting artist. Just as George Emmerson captures Grace with his brushes, she in turn captures his heart.
1938: Newport, Rhode Island. Nineteen-years-old and pregnant, Matilda Emmerson has been sent away from Ireland in disgrace. She is to stay with Harriet, a reclusive relative and assistant lighthouse keeper, until her baby is born. A discarded, half-finished portrait opens a window into Matilda’s family history. As a deadly hurricane approaches, two women, living a century apart, will be linked forever by their instinctive acts of courage and love.
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Heartbreak pier to be sure. Very readable but very sad
Highly recommended. Bookclubs should love this.
This is a story about strong, independent women in a time when they weren’t always appreciated or given credit for their talent, skill or knowledge.
Loved the way the two stories intertwined.
Very enjoyable book, nice reads, could not put it down.
Loved this book. Characters well developed and many surprises.
I had to start and stop this book two times. It has a type of writing that I found hard to follow. Moving from one character for awhile to another character. It was a beautiful story and I enjoyed it.
This book gave me knowledge of what a lightkeepers duties were long ago. I love historical fiction because it gives me insights as to how people lived and loved in those days. Isn’t it a shame that the daughter couldn’t even consider marriage because the one she loved – and he loved her as well – was engaged. The tragedy that happened to the woman losing her two children because of the storm was so realistic the way the author described it made you feel sorrow for the poor mother.
I loved it
This author never disappoints. This book tells the story of a Lighthouse keeper and his family off the coast of England in 1838. An alternating but connected story takes place in 1938 off the coast of Rhode Island. Reading this book I could almost feel the cold stone of the Lighthouse and hear the howling winds. As an aside the hurricane of 1938 plays a part in the book. My parents were living in eastern Connecticut in 1938 and I heard about this hurricane many times so I really enjoyed that aspect.
I liked how It jumped back and forth from the past to the present. And connected it all.
Historical fiction at its best.
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I had to see what would happen next.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter is one of the best novels I have read in years. The lighthouse technical details were accurate, but it was the evocation of family living in a lighthouse that was so well expressed. I had no problem with the switching between different narrators and time periods (1838 vs 1938) and it was quite effective. I feel I got to know Grace Darling as a person and Matilda also. The setting near, around, and in the ocean gave the story much flavor. The interpersonal relationships amidst joy and tragedy will make you want to appreciate more the people in your life.
You need to read this book!
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author went back and forth between the characters and the years and how it all tied in together. Also enjoyed learning about lighthouses and how they were operated. I would totally recommend this book.
Good easy read story. Kept me turning pages past my bed time.
Great book!
On the whole, I liked this novel and we did get a look at how the old lighthouses were operated. The author seemed to touch very lightly on most things and there was a little too much coincidence. I found the wrap-up just a little silly although just prior to this there was a moving scene and I have to admit it brought tears.
Feel good story with some twists of fate.
the book took you on ups and downs i suggest a box of tissues while reading this book the best i have read in months