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The Light Years

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Brief Description
Told with exceptional grace, The Light Years is a modern classic of twentieth-century English life and is the first novel in Elizabeth Jane Howard's extraordinary, bestselling family saga, The Cazalet Chronicles. 'Compelling, moving, unputdownable . . . Maybe my favourite books ever' - Marian Keyes, bestselling... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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The first book in the landmark, beloved Cazalet Chronicles, previously adapted for BBC radio and television. With the onset of the Second World War, The Light Years reveals a privileged family facing uncertain times.

The first book in the landmark Cazalet Chronicles, previously a BBC radio and TV series. With the onset of war, The Light Years reveals a privileged family facing uncertain times.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Told with exceptional grace, The Light Years is a modern classic of twentieth-century English life and is the first novel in Elizabeth Jane Howard's extraordinary, bestselling family saga, The Cazalet Chronicles. 'Compelling, moving, unputdownable . . . Maybe my favourite books ever' - Marian Keyes, bestselling author of My Favourite Mistake 1937. Every summer, the Cazalet brothers - Hugh, Edward and Rupert - return to the family home in the heart of the Sussex countryside with their wives and children. There, they are joined by their formidable parents and unmarried sister Rachel to enjoy two glorious months of picnics, games and sun-drenched excursions to the coast. But not even this idyllic setting can soothe the siblings' fears and heartache. Hugh, haunted by memories of the Great War, is terrified at the looming prospect of a second; Edward, charming and handsome, is torn between his wife and his latest infidelity; and Rupert, a talented painter, is in turmoil over his inability to please his demanding new wife. Meanwhile, Rachel's unflinching loyalty to the family means risking her one chance at happiness . . . 'She helps us to do the necessary thing - open our eyes and our hearts' - Hilary Mantel, bestselling author of The Mirror and the Light The Light Years is the first volume in the extraordinary Cazalet Chronicles. Continue the dazzling historical series with Marking Time.

Series: Cazalet Chronicles

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  • The Light Years
    Told with exceptional grace, The Light Years is a modern classic of twentieth-century English life and is the first novel in Elizabeth Jane Howard's extraordinary, bestselling family saga, The Cazalet Chronicles. 'Compelling, moving, unputdownable . . . Maybe my favourite books ever' - Marian Keyes, bestselling author of My Favourite Mistake 1937. Every summer, the Cazalet brothers - Hugh, Edward...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Golden Hours
    Pre-order
    The Golden Hours
    The Golden Hours is the brilliant new instalment in the beloved Cazalet Chronicles, started by Elizabeth Jane Howard and now continued by bestselling author - and Elizabeth Jane Howard's niece - Louisa Young. It's Christmas, 1962, and the Cazalet family are gathering to celebrate. With the family's beloved Home Place long sold, Polly and Gerald have offered up their rambling...
    Hardback
    $4700
    Pre-order
    Out 15 Sep 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035042449

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 June 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 396g

Pages: 592

About the Author

Elizabeth Jane Howard was the author of fifteen highly acclaimed novels, including the five volumes of The Cazalet Chronicles, as well as After Julius, Falling, Getting It Right, Love All, and Odd Girl Out. The Cazalet Chronicles -- The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion, Casting Off and All Change - have become established as modern classics and have been adapted for a major BBC television series and for BBC Radio 4. In 2000 she was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and in 2002 Macmillan published her autobiography, Slipstream. She died, aged ninety, at home in Suffolk on 2 January 2014.

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