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

challenging inspiring reflective sad medium-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

 

 Maali Almeida is a war photographer who is also a serial cheater, has a terrible relationship with his mother and in general didn't lead as good a life as he could have. After his death, he wants nothing more than to make sure his photos are found, knowing they could cause an earth-shattering break in the Sri Lankan media.

There are a lot of great things about this book, from the way life after death is described to the second person perspective to the way that while Maali continues to insist he really wants to have his work seen to be able to let go of his past life, he needs his photos to be seen, but in actuality it seems more as if what he needs is to make sure the people he left behind will be alright. 

This is a really wonderful book and I can't recommend it enough.