The lightning field

Set against the backdrop of Cold War Toronto, The lightning field follows the lives of Peter and Lucy Jacobs from their post-war courtship through marriage and child-rearing in the suburbs. Though spanning four decades, the book pivots on the events of a single day: October 4, 1957. On this day, the Russians launch Sputnik into orbit, the Avro Arrow - the most advanced jet plane of its time, whose wings Peter has engineered - rolls out onto the tarmac to great ceremony, and, in a nearby field, Lucy is struck by lightning on her way to the event. In the aftermath of that day, Peter struggles…