Enlightenment is a historical fiction novel by Sarah Perry, published in 2024. Her notable works include The Essex Serpent (2016) and Melmoth (2018). Enlightenment explores themes of love, religion, and identity.
The novel is divided into three timelines and begins in 1997, introducing the protagonists, Thomas Hart and Grace Macaulay. Thomas lives in Aldleigh, a small town in Essex. He is a member of a Baptist sect and works as a columnist for a local newspaper. Although he dreams of leaving his conservative hometown, he changes his mind after meeting Grace, whom he has loved and cared for since her childhood.
Although he believes his sexual orientation is a sin in the eyes of God, he convinces himself that God will overlook it in comparison to greater sins in the world. Middle-aged Thomas and teenage Grace become each other’s emotional pillars because they share the same beliefs. Ironically, they share the same fate when it comes to love.
Things begin to change between them when Grace meets Nathan, a man outside her faith. She initially detests his presence but then falls for him. Thomas becomes anxious about their growing intimacy, and to dismiss these feelings, he throws himself into his work and meets a curator, James Bower. He asks for his help to solve the mystery of a ghost said to be seen at Lowlands House.
Thomas loves astronomy, and the research reveals that the ghost is Lady Maria Vaduva, an astronomer from the Victorian era who made significant discoveries that remain unknown. Thomas and James spend time researching her, and he grows fond of James. After some time, James makes it clear that he was never serious about their relationship and leaves him.
Meanwhile, Grace also experiences heartbreak when Nathan suddenly disappears. She moves to London and starts a new life but returns to Aldleigh in 2008 to meet Thomas. While taking a walk, Thomas reveals that he was the reason Nathan left Grace and feels guilty for ruining her relationship with him. Grace feels betrayed and furious but decides to stay in town. In 2017, Grace, who is making her living as a seamstress, meets Nathan again. She realizes her feelings for him, but he leaves her. Ultimately, Grace and Thomas reconcile and reflect on their past mistakes. They regret the choices they could have avoided if they had stayed true to their faith and had not let emotions take over.
