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hannahharry 's review for:
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
by Shehan Karunatilaka
adventurous
challenging
dark
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:
Yes
This book was definitely a challenge. At the start, the large cast of characters and unfamiliar dialect made it tough to keep up, and the writing was so subtle that I often wondered if I had missed something important. But that very quality kept me hooked. Karunatilaka is undeniably a gifted writer, and at times, the book felt almost cinematic.
The writing is so subtle and finely-tuned that when something resurfaces later in the book, it almost feels like a revelation. The beauty of it is that the writer doesn’t shove this connection in your face. Instead, he trusts the reader to pick up on the details, allowing the story to unfold organically without being heavy-handed. It’s a quiet form of storytelling that rewards attention to detail.
The writing is so subtle and finely-tuned that when something resurfaces later in the book, it almost feels like a revelation. The beauty of it is that the writer doesn’t shove this connection in your face. Instead, he trusts the reader to pick up on the details, allowing the story to unfold organically without being heavy-handed. It’s a quiet form of storytelling that rewards attention to detail.
I was unsure about the use of second-person narration going in, but now that I’ve finished, I can’t imagine the story working as well in first or third person.
DD, Jaki, and Maali are such richly drawn, complex characters. I’ll miss them. Despite its challenges, I’m glad I read this novel and can see why it has received so much critical acclaim.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War
Moderate: Homophobia, Kidnapping