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cmrnman64's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
siobhanward's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
NYT Notable Books 2022: 29/100
This book had an interesting concept but I wasn't sold on it until the very end. I thought that tracing Maali's journey through life as he tried to piece together his death was interesting, and I found myself learning a lot about Sri Lankan history and politics. The concept of the afterlife and the seven moons was really great and I wish I knew whether this were part of Sri Lankan culture (or the culture of one of the the ethnogroups found in Sri Lanka), or if this is something Karunatilaka came up with. Definitely an interesting read, though the use of second person sometimes made it challenging to follow.
This book had an interesting concept but I wasn't sold on it until the very end. I thought that tracing Maali's journey through life as he tried to piece together his death was interesting, and I found myself learning a lot about Sri Lankan history and politics. The concept of the afterlife and the seven moons was really great and I wish I knew whether this were part of Sri Lankan culture (or the culture of one of the the ethnogroups found in Sri Lanka), or if this is something Karunatilaka came up with. Definitely an interesting read, though the use of second person sometimes made it challenging to follow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Police brutality, and Murder
amyapple's review against another edition
1.0
Was almost a DNF but that’s not my thing so I powered through.
Waaaaaay to long and convoluted for what the overall story was. Too many unnecessary characters.
I personally did not like the POV it was written in. Different I guess and just not my thing.
Really could have just gone with the 1st moon and the 7th moon.
Just glad it’s over and I can move on.
Waaaaaay to long and convoluted for what the overall story was. Too many unnecessary characters.
I personally did not like the POV it was written in. Different I guess and just not my thing.
Really could have just gone with the 1st moon and the 7th moon.
Just glad it’s over and I can move on.
jennylooke's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
eli_jw's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laikaluca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
marennrenn's review against another edition
5.0
Pretty good read, all in all. I enjoyed reading this book and it was never boring.
The war, during which the story takes place, is an overwhelming presence in the book. If this isn't for you (and you don't want to read about bodies, dismemberment, suicides etc.), then don't read this book. The war is a big part of Maalis live, not only because it is everywhere in Sri Lanka, but also because of his job.
I really likef how kaleidoskopic the book was and how we slowly learn more about the characters in real time and through the memories. It switches between different important aspects of Maalis live in a way that feels natural. And I enjoyed how the characters and the book itself were asking the big questions, about life, purpose, death, human nature and so on.
The descriptions and slang/language used by the characters felt authentic to me, but I don't really have any connections to Sri Lanka, so take it with a grain of salt.
There were a few things I wished the book had done differently, mainly towards the end, but I still had a good time reading both the end and the book.
The war, during which the story takes place, is an overwhelming presence in the book. If this isn't for you (and you don't want to read about bodies, dismemberment, suicides etc.), then don't read this book. The war is a big part of Maalis live, not only because it is everywhere in Sri Lanka, but also because of his job.
I really likef how kaleidoskopic the book was and how we slowly learn more about the characters in real time and through the memories. It switches between different important aspects of Maalis live in a way that feels natural. And I enjoyed how the characters and the book itself were asking the big questions, about life, purpose, death, human nature and so on.
The descriptions and slang/language used by the characters felt authentic to me, but I don't really have any connections to Sri Lanka, so take it with a grain of salt.
There were a few things I wished the book had done differently, mainly towards the end, but I still had a good time reading both the end and the book.
amandabw425's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
crow3711's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful book. I don’t usually go for magical realism but this one worked for me. Had a nice internal logic to the story that kinda clicked with me eventually. Some people might struggle because it deals heavily with internal politics and civil war intricacies of Sri Lanka, something I’m utterly unfamiliar with. It can be confusing to try to understand all the different factions and groups in play throughout the story, but eventually I settled into a general understanding of the politics and let the story take me away. I found it very moving. Highly recommend.
sirdoctor's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0