Enlightenment

A contemplative tale set in 1990s Essex, Enlightenment follows two unlikely friends uncovering the legacy of a vanished 19th‑century explorer. Perry balances intimate friendship with philosophical musings on faith, comets and the supernatural. Her writing is quiet, reflective and suffused with a sense of wonder. The novel explores belonging—both terrestrial and cosmic—through subtle shifts in tone and perspective. Judges called it a long, quiet book that brings together heaven and earth in an exhilarating blend. It's a deeply thoughtful meditation on history, belief and connection.