: The book is divided into 12 parts. Each part is exactly half the length of the one preceding it, mimicking a waning moon. Part One is 360 pages long, while the final part is just a few paragraphs. Literary Style and Themes
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.
The novel's most unique informative feature is its structural adherence to Western astrology: The Luminaries: A Novel
: Seven additional characters represent the planets (the "Luminaries"), including the sun and moon.
: The narrative explores themes of fate vs. fortune, the corruptive nature of gold, and the difficulty of truly understanding another person's perspective. : The book is divided into 12 parts
: 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. Literary Style and Themes The story begins with
The discovery of a hidden fortune in the home of a local drunk.