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n 1997, columnist and novelist Thomas Hart is 51. He lives in a small town in Essex called Aldleigh. It's home to the Essex Chronicle where he works, has a Strict Baptist chapel where he worships, and a derelict country house which he believes to be haunted. He has a best friend called Grace - also a chapel-goer - who is 34 years his junior.

With the Hale-Bopp comet approaching, his editor at the Essex Chronicle asks for a column about astronomy, which sends Thomas on a new, long journey of discovery.

Spanning a period of 20 years, this is a story about love, friendship and faith, and what happens when these things are challenged.

And it is also about astronomy.

Episode 3
After reading her letters, Thomas and James attempt to uncover the mystery of Maria V膬duva.

Sarah Perry is the author of the novels After Me Comes The Flood, the award-winning The Essex Serpent, Melmoth, and the non-fiction Essex Girls. Enlightenment is her fourth novel.

Writer: Sarah Perry
Reader: Nicola Walker
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for 鲍鱼tv Radio 4