3rd February, 2025 in Recommended Reads

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife by June O’Sullivan

“I’m sure you know as well as I do, Mrs. Carthy, that for a lightkeeper the light is all and a lightkeeper’s wife must respect that. His duty is her duty.” The novel, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife, by June O’Sullivan takes us to 1867 Ireland, as the central character, Eliza Carthy, holds steadfast in her support of her two young boys and the caretaking of her isolated home upon the small island, as her dutiful husband keeps task in monitoring the sole lighthouse. The arrival of a new discomfiting couple, as the only neighbors, forces Eliza to confront those of selfish means both within and outside of their marriage despite every effort to exhibit kindness. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Wife explores the resolve of an endearing character when dealt with repeated heartache, feeling for her in each moment and rooting for her small successes until the end.