This descriptive phrase typically refers to a literary work, usually a novel, that heavily features celestial imagery and settings. These books often incorporate scenes or themes related to nighttime landscapes, astronomy, and the emotions or experiences connected to observing the night sky. For example, a story might unfold during a camping trip under a clear, starlit expanse, or perhaps involve characters who are stargazers or astronomers.
The prevalence of such imagery in literature speaks to the enduring human fascination with the cosmos. Night skies have historically represented mystery, wonder, and contemplation, offering a backdrop for introspection and adventure. Books employing these elements can evoke feelings of awe, loneliness, freedom, or the search for meaning within the vastness of the universe. The use of this backdrop can also symbolize journeys, both literal and metaphorical, as characters navigate their lives against the backdrop of the cosmos.