Enlightenment By Sarah Perry

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

Episode One

20240805

In 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 1

In 1997, with Hale-Bopp on the horizon, Thomas Hart's life is changed when he is given a planisphere by his editor.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. Hale-Bopp is coming, and Thomas's editor gives him a planisphere.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. In 1997, with Hale-Bopp on the horizon, Thomas Hart's life is changed when he is given a planisphere by his editor.

Episode Two

20240806

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 2

The Sunday morning service at Bethesda Chapel is disturbed when a golf ball comes crashing through the window.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. Bethesda Chapel is disturbed by a golf ball through the window.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. The Sunday morning service at Bethesda Chapel is disturbed when a golf ball comes crashing through the window.

Episode Three

20240807

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 Văduva.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. Thomas and James attempt to uncover the mystery of Maria V\u0103duva.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. After reading her letters, Thomas and James attempt to uncover the mystery of Maria Văduva.

Episode Four

20240808

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 4

Grace encounters a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field. Thomas has a strange visitor at the Essex Chronicle.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. Grace encounters a a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. Grace encounters a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field. Thomas has a strange visitor at the Essex Chronicle.

Episode Five

20240809

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 5

When Grace returns from the Blackwater she brings an unexpected guest to her 18th birthday party.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. There is an unexpected guest at Grace's 18th birthday party.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. When Grace returns from the Blackwater she brings an unexpected guest to her 18th birthday party.

Episode Six

20240812

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 6

Grace and Thomas experience an extreme range of emotions during the fire at Lowlands House. Afterwards, a discovery is made in the ruins.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. After the fire at Lowlands House, a discovery is made in the ruins.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. Grace and Thomas experience an extreme range of emotions during the fire at Lowlands House. Afterwards, a discovery is made in the ruins.

Episode Seven

20240813

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 7

It's 2008, Thomas is presented with more clues in the mystery of Maria Văduva. And he tells Grace something that will permanently alter their friendship.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. It's 2008, Thomas tells Grace something that will alter their friendship.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. It's 2008, Thomas is presented with more clues in the mystery of Maria Văduva. And he tells Grace something that will permanently alter their friendship.

Episode Eight

20240814

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 8

Grace takes revenge on Thomas at Anne Macaulay's funeral. And an event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. An event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. Grace takes revenge on Thomas at Anne Macaulay's funeral. And an event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together.

Episode Nine

20240815

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 9

It's 2017, Nathan returns to Aldleigh. Grace, who has already found Maria Văduva's dress, now makes some new discoveries.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. It's 2017, Grace catches up with her past

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. It's 2017, Nathan returns to Aldleigh. Grace, who has already found Maria Văduva's dress, now makes some new discoveries.

Episode Ten

20240816

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 10

Comet du Lac is approaching, and all is revealed about Maria Văduva when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum.

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 BBC Radio 4

By Sarah Perry. All is revealed when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum.

A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged.

By Sarah Perry. Comet du Lac is approaching, and all is revealed about Maria Văduva when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
01	Episode One	20240805	In 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 1 In 1997, with Hale-Bopp on the horizon, Thomas Hart's life is changed when he is given a planisphere by his editor. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. Hale-Bopp is coming, and Thomas's editor gives him a planisphere. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. In 1997, with Hale-Bopp on the horizon, Thomas Hart's life is changed when he is given a planisphere by his editor.
02	Episode Two	20240806	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 2 The Sunday morning service at Bethesda Chapel is disturbed when a golf ball comes crashing through the window. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. Bethesda Chapel is disturbed by a golf ball through the window. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. The Sunday morning service at Bethesda Chapel is disturbed when a golf ball comes crashing through the window.
03	Episode Three	20240807	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 Văduva. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. Thomas and James attempt to uncover the mystery of Maria V\u0103duva. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. After reading her letters, Thomas and James attempt to uncover the mystery of Maria Văduva.
04	Episode Four	20240808	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 4 Grace encounters a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field. Thomas has a strange visitor at the Essex Chronicle. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. Grace encounters a a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. Grace encounters a man in a scarlet coat on Potter's Field. Thomas has a strange visitor at the Essex Chronicle.
05	Episode Five	20240809	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 5 When Grace returns from the Blackwater she brings an unexpected guest to her 18th birthday party. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. There is an unexpected guest at Grace's 18th birthday party. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. When Grace returns from the Blackwater she brings an unexpected guest to her 18th birthday party.
06	Episode Six	20240812	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 6 Grace and Thomas experience an extreme range of emotions during the fire at Lowlands House. Afterwards, a discovery is made in the ruins. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. After the fire at Lowlands House, a discovery is made in the ruins. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. Grace and Thomas experience an extreme range of emotions during the fire at Lowlands House. Afterwards, a discovery is made in the ruins.
07	Episode Seven	20240813	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 7 It's 2008, Thomas is presented with more clues in the mystery of Maria Văduva. And he tells Grace something that will permanently alter their friendship. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. It's 2008, Thomas tells Grace something that will alter their friendship. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. It's 2008, Thomas is presented with more clues in the mystery of Maria Văduva. And he tells Grace something that will permanently alter their friendship.
08	Episode Eight	20240814	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 8 Grace takes revenge on Thomas at Anne Macaulay's funeral. And an event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. An event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. Grace takes revenge on Thomas at Anne Macaulay's funeral. And an event at Lowlands House brings Thomas and James back together.
09	Episode Nine	20240815	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 9 It's 2017, Nathan returns to Aldleigh. Grace, who has already found Maria Văduva's dress, now makes some new discoveries. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. It's 2017, Grace catches up with her past A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. It's 2017, Nathan returns to Aldleigh. Grace, who has already found Maria Văduva's dress, now makes some new discoveries.
10	Episode Ten	20240816	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 10 Comet du Lac is approaching, and all is revealed about Maria Văduva when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum. 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 BBC Radio 4 By Sarah Perry. All is revealed when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum. A story about love, friendship, faith - and what happens when these things are challenged. By Sarah Perry. Comet du Lac is approaching, and all is revealed about Maria Văduva when Thomas and Nathan visit the Aldleigh Museum.