Sylvia, the narrator, tells the story of her life between two deaths that coincide with the discovery of a comet and then its appearance when it approaches earth. Her first death was in a car accident where her husband was killed,and she is revived. So the novel is about coming to terms with grief and loss, and because the car that caused the accident drove off, Sylvia is also obsessed with finding the other driver. She works at a funeral parlour and one of their customers, a local landowner becomes obsessed with the comet after his mothers death and starts a meditation group that attracts followers. Other major characters are Sylvia’s motherinlaw and the astronomer who discovered the comet who works at a nearby observatory.
This was a surprisingly absorbing read. Cosmic events like the appearance of a comet lead to many people finding or wanting find greater meaning. The book is also about loneliness and forgiveness and finding a way to go on living after major life changing events.

Bright Objects is a slow, contemplative read. I think it's inaccurate to call it a "literary thriller" and some readers may expect something more exciting and fast-paced with this description.

Sylvia is a sweet character and her ending actually made me angry because she is far more forgiving than I could ever be. You deserve better Sylvia!

I look forward to seeing what other people think about Bright Objects.