"The Light Years" is a novel by Elizabeth Jane Howard, published in 1990. It is the first book in the Cazalet Chronicles, a series that follows the lives of the Cazalet family before, during, and after World War II. The story is set in England and explores themes of family dynamics, love, and the passage of time. The narrative focuses on the summer of 1937, capturing the lives of the Cazalet family at their country estate. As the characters navigate personal challenges and societal changes, the novel delves into their relationships and the impact of historical events on their lives.