A review by mausi
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

As I was entering my review, I noticed that I nearly ticked all the ‘moods’ suggested by this platform. And I think that’s a good way of describing how I felt about this book and what I think made it so special - it was about life on such an immense scale, exploring topics like the meaning of life and death, while at the same time, it was just a story of a young man coming to terms with his own life and death. Everything about this book was about balance, of stories of war and love, life and death, pain and happiness, friendship and rejection. I really could go on. My favourite aspect of this book was definitively its unique second person narrating voice which ive never encountered before I felt was so fitting for the “in between” world in which this book is situated. I also recognised the slow but steady character development and story progression - although I found the story slightly too short for my liking. I especially liked the way the book was structured around the seven moons, which potentially contributed to the sense of slowness of the storyline due to its structure and predictability, but I felt reassured by it and less rushed.
I am a little bit embarrassed to admit how much I liked the ending though. I read the story in fear of his decision, constantly reflecting on what I would do and finding myself to relate to the character in the way he felt so torn between the good and the evil, between letting go and seeking revenge. I loved how the author kept it until the very last minute to decide, and as embarrassing as it sounds, it somehow restored some sense of faith for the world and life after death.
 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings