The Luminaries is a novel by Eleanor Catton that takes place in the 19th century during the New Zealand gold rush. The story follows Walter Moody, a young prospector who arrives in the town of Hokitika to seek his fortune. Upon his arrival, he stumbles upon a group of twelve men who are meeting in secret to discuss a series of mysterious events that have been unfolding in the town.
As Moody becomes entangled in the web of secrets and lies that surround the town, he discovers that each of the twelve men is connected to a different aspect of the unfolding drama. The novel is structured around the twelve signs of the zodiac, with each character representing a different astrological sign.
The Luminaries is a complex and intricate novel that weaves together themes of fate, fortune, and the interconnectedness of all things. Catton's writing is rich and detailed, drawing the reader into a world that is both familiar and strange. The novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2013, making Catton the youngest ever winner of the prestigious award.