Anna and Staines at the Courtroom’s Centre

The Luminaries

This thread follows the lovers as their private history is made public through testimony, accusation, and a divided verdict.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Chance Reunion in Hokitika A Chance Reunion in Hokitika from "The Luminaries". A Chance Reunion in Hokitika Recognition arrives with surprise Anna is being shown around Hokitika by Clinch when she meets Staines outside the Reserve Bank.

A Chance Reunion in Hokitika from "The Luminaries". A Chance Reunion in Hokitika Recognition arrives with surprise Anna is being shown around Hokitika by Clinch when she meets Staines outside the Reserve Bank.

A Chance Reunion in Hokitika Recognition arrives with surprise Anna is being shown around Hokitika by Clinch when she meets Staines outside the Reserve Bank. Their earlier shipboard acquaintance returns unexpectedly. A future is imagined Staines asks whether he may call upon her. Anna’s answer is constrained by her employment, while Clinch’s possessiveness closes around her.

A Night of Hope and Loss A Night of Hope and Loss from "The Luminaries". A Night of Hope and Loss A private conversation Anna and Staines spend the night together.

A Night of Hope and Loss from "The Luminaries". A Night of Hope and Loss A private conversation Anna and Staines spend the night together.

A Night of Hope and Loss A private conversation Anna and Staines spend the night together. Their talk makes love imaginable, though neither gives a clear promise before the night ends. The morning brings separation Anna disappears into a blackout, and Staines vanishes from Hokitika. Their unspoken feelings are immediately burdened by suspicion.

A Deed Names Anna A Deed Names Anna from "The Luminaries". A Deed Names Anna A promise is revealed Devlin shows Anna a document stating that Staines meant to give her two thousand pounds.

A Deed Names Anna from "The Luminaries". A Deed Names Anna A promise is revealed Devlin shows Anna a document stating that Staines meant to give her two thousand pounds.

A Deed Names Anna A promise is revealed Devlin shows Anna a document stating that Staines meant to give her two thousand pounds. Anna reacts as though the paper has awakened a private certainty. Affection meets legal doubt The deed lacks a valid signature until Anna supplies one. Her action risks turning an intimate promise into a criminal accusation.

An Unsteady Reunion An Unsteady Reunion from "The Luminaries". An Unsteady Reunion The lovers meet in custody Staines returns wounded and is brought to Anna. He is feverish and confused, but asks for her by name.

An Unsteady Reunion from "The Luminaries". An Unsteady Reunion The lovers meet in custody Staines returns wounded and is brought to Anna. He is feverish and confused, but asks for her by name.

An Unsteady Reunion The lovers meet in custody Staines returns wounded and is brought to Anna. He is feverish and confused, but asks for her by name. Their bond becomes visible They are allowed to rest beside each other in the gaol-house. Devlin recognizes a closeness that neither had previously made public.

Their Testimony Is Divided Their Testimony Is Divided from "The Luminaries". Their Testimony Is Divided Anna risks disclosure She tells the court that she loved Staines and left prostitution after their night together.

Their Testimony Is Divided from "The Luminaries". Their Testimony Is Divided Anna risks disclosure She tells the court that she loved Staines and left prostitution after their night together.

Their Testimony Is Divided Anna risks disclosure She tells the court that she loved Staines and left prostitution after their night together. Her account makes the relationship part of the evidence. Staines answers with trust He says he trusts Anna because he loves her, while admitting theft and drug use. His sentence separates them despite their mutual devotion.

18 June 1865

14 January 1866

20 March 1866

20 March 1866, evening

27 April 1866