Sarah Perry

Sarah Perry is a British author known for her novels, including 'The Essex Serpent' and 'Melmoth'. Her works often explore themes of history, mystery, and the supernatural.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Death Of An Ordinary Man

    Sarah Perry chronicles the experience of caring for her father-in-law after a cancer diagnosis, nursing him at home with her husband and supporting him through the final stages of life. The book is an intimate, spare reflection on family, caregiving, and what it means to accompany someone as they near the end.

    The 13101st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Enlightenment

    **Enlightenment** by Sarah Perry is a captivating tale of friendship, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. Set in the small town of Aldleigh, Essex, the story follows Thomas Hart and Grace Macaulay, two unlikely best friends separated by thirty years in age. Despite their differences, they share a deep connection, both grappling with their religious upbringing and a yearning to explore beyond their Baptist community. Their bond is tested by two romantic entanglements that drive them apart. Thomas becomes fixated on a mysterious nineteenth-century astronomer rumored to haunt a nearby manor, while Grace escapes to London. Over two decades, their lives intertwine through chance and intention, as they unravel the enigma of the vanished astronomer. Through their journey, Thomas and Grace confront questions of love, destiny, and the balance between what is constant and what can change. As they navigate their paths, they ponder whether they can reconcile and rediscover their friendship. **Enlightenment** is a profound exploration of human connection, faith, and the mysteries of the universe.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. After Me Comes The Flood

    In this atmospheric and enigmatic novel, a man named John Cole unexpectedly finds himself at a mysterious house in the English countryside after his car breaks down. The house is inhabited by a group of peculiar individuals, each with their own secrets and burdens. As John becomes entangled in their lives, he grapples with themes of identity, isolation, and the passage of time. The narrative unfolds with a haunting, dreamlike quality, exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion, and leaving readers questioning the nature of fate and human connection.

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  4. 4. Every Cradle Is A Grave

    Rethinking the Ethics of Birth and Suicide

    This thought-provoking work delves into the controversial topics of antinatalism and the ethics of procreation, challenging societal norms and assumptions about the inherent value of life. Through a blend of philosophical inquiry and personal reflection, the author questions the morality of bringing new life into a world filled with suffering and explores the implications of such decisions on both individual and collective levels. The book encourages readers to critically examine their beliefs about existence, happiness, and the responsibilities of parenthood, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and thoughtful approach to the creation of life.

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  5. 5. The Essex Serpent

    In late Victorian England, a newly widowed amateur naturalist relocates to the Essex marshes to investigate rumors of a monstrous serpent, sparking a charged friendship with the local parish vicar. As panic grips the village, their debates over science, faith, and superstition entwine with personal longings, social reform, and the entanglements of family and desire. The mystery of the creature becomes a mirror for human fears and transformations, leading to unexpected reckonings and quiet revelations.

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  6. 6. After The Eclipse

    A Mother's Murder, a Daughter's Search

    A memoir intertwining true crime and coming-of-age, it recounts a daughter’s life before and after her mother’s murder in small-town Maine, tracing the long, confounding investigation and her own pursuit of answers. Through meticulous reporting and intimate reflection, it explores grief, memory, community, and the criminal justice system, revealing how violence reverberates across years and what it means to seek truth and a measure of justice.

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