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A review by watermelleon
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Another "book that I couldn't bear to finish so I left it 90% read for months"
There are so many things I love about this book: the detailed characters and their morally grey complexities, luscious and rich descriptions oozing with depth, complex commentary on difficult subjects from white saviours to colonialism.
Writing this makes me want to bump up the score! It's a deeply emotional yet darkly funny read, that has taught me so much about the plight of Sri Lanka. Shehan made a strong case throughout that this was an expertly researched book, very thoughtfully structured and layered with careful and intelligent literary influence (including my beloved favourite book- cloud atlas). You can feel the time and care and passion he took into writing this book.
I read the last of this via audiobook, which immediately made me sad that I had not chosen that route to begin with. the audiobook is INCREDIBLY performed, and added such a strong and emotive voice which in my opinion connected the reader even more to the country the events took place.
I find I'm wanting to bump up the score again, but I'll restrain myself. The main dilemma is one of personal opinion: I am not thoroughly convinced that the writing style is 100% to my specific tastes. But this is a flaw on no ones part, and I wouldn't choose to change it. This is absolutely a book I would put on everyone's bucket list.
There are so many things I love about this book: the detailed characters and their morally grey complexities, luscious and rich descriptions oozing with depth, complex commentary on difficult subjects from white saviours to colonialism.
Writing this makes me want to bump up the score! It's a deeply emotional yet darkly funny read, that has taught me so much about the plight of Sri Lanka. Shehan made a strong case throughout that this was an expertly researched book, very thoughtfully structured and layered with careful and intelligent literary influence (including my beloved favourite book- cloud atlas). You can feel the time and care and passion he took into writing this book.
I read the last of this via audiobook, which immediately made me sad that I had not chosen that route to begin with. the audiobook is INCREDIBLY performed, and added such a strong and emotive voice which in my opinion connected the reader even more to the country the events took place.
I find I'm wanting to bump up the score again, but I'll restrain myself. The main dilemma is one of personal opinion: I am not thoroughly convinced that the writing style is 100% to my specific tastes. But this is a flaw on no ones part, and I wouldn't choose to change it. This is absolutely a book I would put on everyone's bucket list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Gun violence, War, Violence, and Genocide