The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Hazel Gaynor

 The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter brings a story of Grace Darling who became a national hero of England after a shipwreck rescue.

Ireland, 1938. Matilda, daughter of a local politician is four months pregnant and unmarried. Thus, she is sent across the world to Rhode Island to spend the remaining five months with a reclusive relative, who is an assistant lighthouse keeper in Newport.

Farne Islands, England, 1838. Grace, daughter of the lighthouse keeper, has patience and a keen eye, which is essential for keeping watch over the sea. When a storm crashes a ship, she notices survivors on the rocks. With her father, risking their lives, they rescue those who survived the shipwreck; among them Sarah, who was on the way to visit her brother, George Emmerson, in Scotland.

News of brave Grace spread across England, making her the national hero as she continues to insist she only did her duty, emphasizing her father’s bravery. Artists are sent to capture Grace’s likeness as everyone wants to put a face to the name.

Not long before Grace becomes the national hero, she meets George Emmerson. A man she develops feelings for, but he is promised to another. There is a warm love nuance which doesn’t overwhelm the story. It’s touchingly woven.

I enjoyed the stories of all women, but there is something special about true heroine Grace, who is humble, skilled oarswoman, and claims that she only did her duty for those in peril.

The story briefly mentions Ida Lewis, American lighthouse keeper, who for her remarkable service of saving lives was highly rewarded. It was also interesting to learn about another brave woman across the ocean.

The first part of the story interestingly develops characters with depth and uniqueness which is important in a theme where all characters are connected to lighthouses. All those characters stand out on their own and bring something distinctive to the story. The second part brings them closer in some way, the interesting weaving of the story and unexpected developments make it a very engaging read.

With beautiful prose and enchanting storytelling, we’re taken on an extraordinary journey of exceptional women who risked their lives to save others.

Published: October 2018

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks