The Light Between Oceans

Hannah, weary and gaunt from years of desperately waiting for information, awakens two nights after the lighthouse celebration to the sound of the letterbox creaking. Written in the same handwriting as the previous anonymous letter is a note in the package containing Grace’s silver rattle: “She is safe. She is loved and cared for. Please pray for me” (242).

The police photograph the rattle and pin the picture up outside the station, asking that anyone who recognizes it to come forward. Septimus raises the award to three thousand guineas, which is enough to make anyone in Partageuse wealthy.

Bluey tells his mother that he recalls seeing the rattle in Lucy’s crib, but he is conflicted about what do to because Tom and Isabel are his friends. His mother convinces him to go to the police. 

The police arrive on Janus and show Tom a picture of the rattle, asking if he recognizes it. While the police question him, Isabel pieces information together. She learns that Hannah received a letter two years prior and that the same person—Tom—has recently sent her the rattle.

Tom confesses to everything. While the police dig up Frank’s remains, Isabel confronts Tom and sees that he is relieved.