47 pages 1 hour read

M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Chapters 35-37

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3

Chapter 35 Summary

Tom’s cell has flooded in the storm. Because the roof of the cell may collapse, Knuckey brings him up to the front office. Isabel walks in, asking to see Knuckey, presumably to betray Tom. Tom reaches out to her, and terrified, she turns to dash out. Tom wrenches free from the pipe to which he is handcuffed, and they embrace. Knuckey enters, and Isabel confesses her guilt, admitting that Frank was dead when he washed up.

Knuckey tries to convince Hannah not to go to trial and to ask for clemency. Tom, after all, is a war hero, and Isabel had three miscarriages with no one to help her. Hannah at first is appalled by the suggestion, but she remembers Frank’s refusal to hate people, explaining that it is easier to forgive.

Septimus helps to repair Grace’s relationship with Hannah, agreeing to call her Lucy-Grace. As Hannah enjoys a moment of peace with her daughter, Frank’s words echo in her mind, and she feels a sense of peaceful relief.

Chapter 36 Summary

Hannah asks for clemency. After a short three-month stay in prison, Tom has the opportunity to thank her. She explains that she is not going to let the past control her future.