For weeks, she has been appealing to the skies for a clear evening to demonstrate her telescope, but the cloudy skies over Norwich thwart her plans. Tonight, I am left observing the telescope at rest, noting its substantial size, far from a simple handheld device. Perry, by most standards, is a dedicated astronomer – sporting a tattoo of Halley’s comet below her heart. Despite her astronomical passion, she humbly admits to lacking the mathematical prowess for in-depth research. However, her interactions with Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, acknowledged in her latest novel “Enlightenment,” reveal her intellectual depth.
In a poignant moment, she shares Rovelli’s analogy equating her love for physics to his love for music, emphasizing understanding without the ability to delve into the technicalities. This conversation relieved her from pursuing A-level maths. Transitioning from the telescope, we retreat to her cozy living room, shared with her husband, Robert, and their trio of pets: Ruby, Janey Morris, and Mrs. Hudson. The setting exudes warmth, complemented by homemade Strict Baptist tarts reminiscent of those in “Enlightenment.”
Perry’s novel delves into themes of faith, drawing parallels to her upbringing in a Calvinist Baptist community in Aldleigh, mirroring her experiences in Chelmsford, Essex. The geographical overlap between reality and fiction in her storytelling is not entirely intentional but rather a natural extension of her imaginative process.
Leaving the strict Baptist faith in her late 20s, Perry navigates the complexities of familial ties and theological implications. Her departure from the church, akin to the character Grace in “Enlightenment,” does not sever her familial bonds but introduces existential dilemmas about salvation and eternal consequences.
The profound impact of her upbringing resonates in her writing, infused with religious undertones and a deep-rooted lexicon shaped by her heritage. Perry’s narrative style, reminiscent of Victorian literature, reflects her influences and upbringing, setting her apart in the literary landscape.
Reflecting on her journey as a writer and her experiences on the set of Apple TV+, Perry remains grounded despite encounters with celebrities. Her evolution as a writer, marked by illness and personal challenges, adds layers to her storytelling, evident in the darker tones of “Melmoth” and the enigmatic allure of “Enlightenment.”
As she continues to craft narratives filled with intricate ideas and gothic elements, Perry embraces her distinctive storytelling style, rejecting the notion of conforming to trends of minimalist prose. Her literary voice, rich with allusions and expansive storytelling, remains a testament to her unique upbringing and creative journey.