'Enlightenment' By Sarah Perry (Mariner) The intersection of faith and science propels Perry's rich examination of friendship, astronomy and the desire to understand the universe. Thomas Hart and Grace Macaulay, three decades apart in age, have been members of a small religious community in Essex their whole lives. Thomas compartmentalizes his sexuality, only indulging in trysts with men in London; Grace is awkward, demanding and off-putting.
Romantic relationships test their odd friendship, but the mystery of a vanished astronomer who may have discovered a comet draws them together. The novel can feel disconcertingly dense at times, but its strange beauty is undeniable. 'Familiaris' By David Wroblewski (Blackstone) A hefty prequel to "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," this 975page work of heartland fiction may seem an ambitious choice for summer reading.
But don't let the length deter you. The story is spellbinding, as Edgar's grandparents, inventive John and practical Mary Sawtelle, fall in love and build a home for themselves and their friends in the Wisconsin woods. There, they breed the majestic, mystical Sawtelle dogs.
This warm, big-hearted novel pays tribute to the joys of curiosity and creation and turns out to be surprisingly funny, even as storm clouds gather on the family's horizon. 'Malas' By Marcela Fuentes (Viking) Two women of different generations discover an indelible bond in this insightful exploration of family, secrets and Tejano culture in a Texas border tow.