Review of 'Keeper of the Light' by Leanne Lovegrove
Review of ‘Keeper of The Light’ by Leanne Lovegrove
This captivating historical love story by Leanne Lovegrove is initially set on the beautiful and stormy coast of Bruny Island off Tasmania. Esther Anderson lives with her family in this rugged isolated location where her father is the lighthouse keeper. Although the setting itself brings her joy, Esther frequently gets lost on the intriguing pages of the Women’s Weekly. Here, her ideas and views of the outside world are formed. Although these glittering ideals first fuel her dreams, they are also later challenged.
Her world begins to change when a foreign stranger is washed up on her shore, injured. She and her family act as good neighbours and nurse him back to health. But in the process, Esther falls deeply for this mysterious man and he for her. And although they enjoy some blissful times on the island, they are ultimately torn apart by circumstances and archaic views prevalent in the 1950s. Theirs becomes a forbidden love tainted by racism.
Luca, the Italian stranger, is sent away to work and a terrible tragedy occurs in Esther’s family that disrupts her isolated existence. She is forced to leave the shores she loves and live on the mainland to work to support her mother and remaining family. Her sister is of little help and is seen to be uncaring and concerned only about herself, for she leaves all major responsibilities to Esther.
As the story progresses, Esther’s life takes a dangerous turn and our hearts break as we watch her struggle to survive. She thinks Luca has abandoned her for she has written many letters and had no response. But we and she are yet to learn of sinister activity. Ultimately her devotion to family and pure innocence leads her to make some unfortunate life decisions.
This novel shines a light (pardon the expression) on racism and abuse. Racism was prevalent at the time, and in this story we see how it affected the Italians and Irish. Plus the horrors of abuse are clearly displayed on the pages. And the truth of such rampant ills was quite hard to read. I felt great compassion for this woman and those like her. Leanne does not hold back on these topics and we see injustice in all its ugliest forms. The feeling of helplessness comes through the characterisations. Seeing the lack of rights for women during this era made me shudder. The need to obey during these violations was heartbreaking. How terribly unprotected these ladies were in the face of such cruelty.
Many of the men in this novel are quite unlikeable sorts: especially their views and cruel treatment of women. Luca and a few others were the exception.
But all is not lost as restoration is in the stars for Luca and Esther, even with all the rough water that passes between them: the forced separation, a cruel mother, a wicked husband.
I felt disturbed by Esther’s mother as she has every quality you would not want to see in your own! For she is void of love, compassion and protection toward her children.
This novel has a tumultuous plot with many twists and turns. It kept me pinned to its pages and staying up late to resolve the ending. It is a perfect read for historical fiction lovers and those with a passion for lighthouses! There is plenty of atmosphere, too, and you can feel the rumble of storms both literally and symbolically. The 1950’s wasn’t an easy era for women but the beauty of Bruny Island and charm of Hobart shine through. Queen Elisabeth’s Coronation Tour of Australia adds a nice touch to the list of true events of the time. And who can forget the old Cascade Brewery set in the foothills of South Hobart beneath Mount Wellington?! The vivid scenes of Hobart certainly took me back to a location my husband and I went for holiday. Tasmania is a special place and now Leanne’s story has added a sparkling jewel to its creative crown.
Highly recommend this novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Leanne Lovegrove for a review copy. Visit Leanne’s site for more information on her books and activities. Boroughs Publishing Group.
