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A review by claudiaslibrarycard
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
dark
emotional
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
5.0
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka absolutely deserves the accolades it has received, particularly the Booker Prize for 2022. I was patiently waiting for the US release to read this book when it was on the short list. When I was able to listen to the exceptionally well done audiobook through NetGalley, I was very excited.
This book is about Maali Almeida, a mid thirties photographer who just died and has been received in a limbo area of the afterlife. Here he can stay for seven moons while he discovers why he is there and meets many other ghosts. It is a Christmas Carol retelling and while I have never read the original, I enjoyed this far more than any movie adaptation. Maali is such deep and complex character that we learn about slowly. From the beginning, the author makes you wonder what did Maali do that was so bad? And then piecemeal, we learn about Maali's sins and his love. The way this book blends a classic story with a rich and detailed Sri Lankan setting and culture is nothing short of genius. The vocal talent on this audiobook increases that richness perfectly.
If this book was on your list to read, I think you should move it up. And if it wasn't on your radar, maybe it should be. It is a story rich with dynamic characters, political unrest, social taboos, and queer love. I think it will blow you away. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is about Maali Almeida, a mid thirties photographer who just died and has been received in a limbo area of the afterlife. Here he can stay for seven moons while he discovers why he is there and meets many other ghosts. It is a Christmas Carol retelling and while I have never read the original, I enjoyed this far more than any movie adaptation. Maali is such deep and complex character that we learn about slowly. From the beginning, the author makes you wonder what did Maali do that was so bad? And then piecemeal, we learn about Maali's sins and his love. The way this book blends a classic story with a rich and detailed Sri Lankan setting and culture is nothing short of genius. The vocal talent on this audiobook increases that richness perfectly.
If this book was on your list to read, I think you should move it up. And if it wasn't on your radar, maybe it should be. It is a story rich with dynamic characters, political unrest, social taboos, and queer love. I think it will blow you away. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.