BROTHERLESS NIGHT is a truly stand-out book that I’ve read recently, and one that really I hope gets more attention. It’s a beautifully and compellingly told novel about a young woman who finds her dreams of becoming a physician interrupted by the escalating Sri Lankan Civil War, which quickly overtakes both her own life and the lives of her four brothers.

I was blown away by this novel; the writing is at the same time powerful and straightforward, which I felt made it hard for me to put this book down. Sashi, the main character, is a strikingly complex individual who is presented with fraught choices at every turn. I loved the way Ganeshananthan depicted Sashi’s personal convictions and inner turmoil as the people she loved most in her life often asked her to take on some truly difficult tasks, putting her own career and wellbeing in jeopardy. Throughout the novel, we consider the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones—the sacrifices one is willing to make for love.

I think this book has a bit of something for everyone: it has excellent character development for fans of more character-driven books, as well as a gripping storyline that will have you returning to the pages. It’s an intense and powerful read.

This is one of the best pieces of fiction I have read in a while, and absolutely a 2023 favorite. This is definitely one you’ll want (need) to add to your reading list.