Light Perpetual
Book description
Named a Best Book of the Year by TheNew York Times, NPR, Slate, Lit Hub, Fresh Air, and more
From the critically acclaimed and award‑winning author of Golden Hill, an “extraordinary…symphonic…casually stunning” (The Wall Street Journal) novel tracing the infinite possibilities of five lives in the bustling neighborhoods of 20th-century…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Light Perpetual as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
In today’s world, young lives cut short by bombing are sadly commonplace. In November 1944, one of many such tragedies occurred in London. The author of this astounding novel walked past a memorial to the victims every day, and this became his inspiration.
What if five imaginary children were not robbed of their futures in this brutal way? What would they have done with their lives? Jo, Val, Vern, Alec, and Ben are fictional, but their messy, credible stories are explored in a deeply moving account of the social changes that played out in Britain through the decades following the…
In 1944, the Woolworth’s in London was bombed, killing 168 people. 15 were kids.
In this story, the author brings back 5 of those children and writes a story of how they might have been growing up and as adults. It is a tearjerker and really makes you wonder what all of those 15 children would have been like.
Several senseless tragedies leave a lot of “What-ifs,” and this one really pulled at my heartstrings.
From Julianna's list on historical fiction about lesser-known characters.
Want books like Light Perpetual?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Light Perpetual.
Browse books like Light Perpetual
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in London, musical theatre, and presidential biography?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about London, musical theatre, and presidential biography.