Our December CC Book Club selection is Enlightenment by Sarah Perry. This novel tells the story of two friends in a small Essex town, Thomas Hart and Grace McCauley. Far apart in age, but kindred spirits in thought, Thomas and Grace both yearn to explore the world outside their insular Baptist community. They become caught up in Thomas’ research of a 19th century female astronomer, who mysteriously disappeared 100 years earlier. Along the way, they wrestle with the big questions of faith vs. science, friendship vs. love, and whether or not each person’s fate is already written in the stars.
“Stunning…Perry’s shimmering prose draws readers gradually into the story, until suddenly, we are captivated by the rich, psychologically complex, and intimate characters as they grapple philosophically with issues of faith, religion, science, astronomy, and love in all its guises…With brilliant storytelling, Perry’s novel of dichotomies portrays how elliptical our lives are—very much like the movement of the stars.” — Booklist
“A thrillingly ambitious novel of friendship, faith, and unrequited love, rich in symmetry and symbolism, Enlightenment is a shimmering wonder of a book and Sarah Perry’s finest work to date.” - BookBrowse
Enlightenment was named one of the Best Books of 2024 by NPR, Washington Post and The New Yorker, and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.
Discussion begins December 1st. Please join us!