: Twelve local men represent the 12 signs of the zodiac. Their actions and interactions are influenced by their "sign's" traits.
: Catton employs a "Dickensian" style with sprawling backstories and omniscient narration, typical of 19th-century literature. The Luminaries: A Novel
The story begins with Walter Moody, a young prospector who arrives in the settlement of Hokitika to seek his fortune. Upon arrival, he stumbles into a secret meeting of 12 men who are investigating three intertwined mysteries: The disappearance of a wealthy man. The attempted suicide of a prostitute. : Twelve local men represent the 12 signs of the zodiac
: Beyond the Man Booker Prize , it won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction. The Luminaries: A Novel (Man Booker Prize) - Amazon.com The story begins with Walter Moody, a young
: The narrative explores themes of fate vs. fortune, the corruptive nature of gold, and the difficulty of truly understanding another person's perspective.
The discovery of a hidden fortune in the home of a local drunk.