The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
A darkly comic satire on the Sri Lankan civil war, winner of the Booker Prize 2022.
Check price on AmazonOpens Amazon search results for this product.
Also compare at: WalmartBest BuyeBay
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links never changes your price.
Why people are buying it
Set in 1990 Sri Lanka, this novel follows Maali Almeida, a deceased war photographer who wakes up in a celestial visa office. He has exactly seven moons (or 'time' in the afterlife) to contact his friends and lovers and guide them to a hidden stash of photos that will expose the brutalities of the civil war. It is a profound, funny, and surreal exploration of life, death, and the afterlife, blending political commentary with supernatural elements. The narrative offers a unique critique of the corruption and violence of the era through the eyes of a man who has nothing left to lose.
- Winner of the Booker Prize 2022
- Darkly humorous take on the Sri Lankan Civil War
- Unique narrative voice from the perspective of a ghost
- Blends magical realism with hard-hitting political satire
- Explores complex themes of corruption, identity, and redemption
What it does well
- Witty and engaging narrative voice that makes dark subjects palatable
- Masterful blend of humor, tragedy, and supernatural elements
- Provides important historical insight into the Sri Lankan conflict
- Unique and inventive structure regarding the afterlife rules
What to weigh
- Complex narrative structure and large cast of characters can be confusing
- Dark themes and graphic descriptions of war may be distressing
- Specific cultural and historical context might require reader patience
Should you buy it?
This book is a must-read for fans of ambitious literary fiction who enjoy a mix of the surreal and the political. It is definitely worth it for readers looking for a poignant yet funny story about war and the afterlife, provided they are comfortable with mature themes.
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1635424234 (US Ed.) |
| Publication Date | August 2022 |
| Country of Origin | Sri Lanka / UK |
| Content | |
| Narrative Style | First-person (Ghost) |
| Setting | Colombo, Sri Lanka & The Afterlife |
| Historical Context | Sri Lankan Civil War |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.3 inches (approx) |
| Weight | 12.8 ounces (approx) |
| Paperback Page Count | 304 |
| Other | |
| Adaptation Status | Not currently adapted |
| Preceded by | Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew |
From published manufacturer information. Check the store listing for the exact variant.
How it compares
| Product | Genre | Award Status | Setting | Tone | Narrative Perspective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida | Magical Realism / Satire | Booker Prize Winner | Sri Lanka (1990) | Darkly Comic | First-person Ghost |
| The Sympathizer | Historical Fiction | Pulitzer Prize Winner | Vietnam / USA | Satirical / Dark | First-person |
| Midnight's Children | Magical Realism | Booker Prize Winner | India | Surreal / Historical | First-person Omniscient |
Worth a look instead
Questions buyers ask
Is this book based on true events?
While the Sri Lankan civil war is a real historical event, the characters and the specific plot involving Maali Almeida are fictional.
Is this book suitable for young adults?
Due to mature themes, strong language, and graphic descriptions of violence, it is generally recommended for adult readers.
Do I need to know about Sri Lankan history to understand it?
Some background knowledge enhances the experience, but Karunatilaka provides enough context for readers to follow the story without being experts.
More in Books
See allAll the Colors of the Dark
A sprawling, decades-spanning mystery about obsession, friendship, and the shadows we leave behind.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
A gripping, twist-filled psychological thriller set on a private Greek island.
The Maid
A charming, locked-room mystery featuring an unforgettable protagonist who sees the world differently.
The Power of Habit
Unlock the science behind why we do what we do