I liked the symbolism in this book. I had to read it. My grandmother's grandfather was a lighthouse keeper in Maine. The writing style and tone remind me slightly of the book, Ahab's Wife. It's a story from another time, with remarkably detailed WWI scenes. But it's the story of an Irish family and of two keepers of the light. More than that, it's about the human heart and life. It's more than I can say in a review. What came to mind more than once was how we all ride the waves of life and make choices that affect others and ourselves. ( )

Maudlin christain story of an Irish immigrant & descendants, Te first man's railing against his trials and tribulations somehow calmed to acceptance after looking at a picture given to the first immigrant by his local priest. The next generations similar tragedies similarly accepted after reading a letter left by the first. Two generations are lighthouse keepers. The format is the final son's reminiscing on his deathbed to his daughter-in-law. A fair amount of this man's story takes place in WWII--African theater and Anzio. ( )