The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka / Review

This novel is so inventive, mischievous, thoughtful and funny with a central character that I fell in love with so it'd be great to see it win the 2022 Booker Prize. Click ‘Show More’ for info & links.
--------------------
The 2022 Booker Prize longlist: • The Booker Prize 2022 ...
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
uk.bookshop.org/a/9054/978191...
The Trees by Percival Everett
lonesomereader.com/blog/2022/...
--------------------
Get in touch
Book Blog: lonesomereader.com/
Twitter: / lonesomereader
Instagram: / lonesomereader
Facebook: tinyurl.com/hfkkhus
Goodreads: tinyurl.com/h8uus5t
LetterBoxd: letterboxd.com/lonesomereader/
TikTok: / lonesomereader
Email: [e-mail]

[@pradeepselvaratnam9459]

Thank you Eric for your review and efforts 🙂 My congratulations to compatriot citizen Shehan, 👏,he demonstrated courage, a paradigm shift, transcends to publish this book. I definitely look for to read this book. I am a Sri Lankan tamil, lived through the war Years till late 90, so I can relate and resonate. I have experienced reality. The war brought terrible sadness,pain, unimaginable cruelty. Thank God the war ended, and the killing stoped. 👍👍👍👏🙏❤️🇦🇴

[@bookishbedlam]

Thank you, Eric. I read this last month and gave it this short review: Wow. Just wow. Maali is a fascinating character whose life contained twists and turns I did not see coming. The themes are large -- life, war, sexuality, humor, questioning. The plot is interesting, but it is Maali's spirit that keeps this novel moving forward. A wonderful book and a new all-time favorite. I gave it a star rating of 7 out of 5.

[@heathersneddon8866]

Ordered this and I should receive it tomorrow. My 'problem', if one could call it a problem is, as I read the longlist they are all turning out to be brilliant. Finished Case Study which I thought was so innovative. Loved The Trees. It is going to be so so difficult to pick a winner

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, I think it's going to be a very tough competition but it's good for us that the novels have such a high hit rate. And you've made me even more eager to read Case Study.

[@janenorth4509]

I also loved Case Study and was disappointed it didn’t make the short list. Just finished Seven Moons and I’m blown away by it! Finally, stunned by Small Things - packs a real punch!

[@dsweet_library]

I finished this book last night. Amazing novel. I was truly in awe. So compelling. Great review, Eric.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm so glad you agree! And thank you.

[@mradcaqbdb]

Hopefully, my copy will be in my mailbox in the next few days! The description and cover immediately grabbed me from your initial video on the longlist and I’m so happy to hear that it lives up to it! Thanks for an exciting video!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 😀

[@Leebearify]

You convinced me, mine is ordered and on its way!

[@curioushmm9027]

finally....i've been anxiously waiting for someone to read and talk about this book and i'm so happy you loved it. i haven't read it and had not even heard about it before the long list was announced when i thought the author's name was familiar and checked and found indeed it was the author who's long novel set in the world of cricket...a world i'd previously not spent a moment of my life in...who'd held me with the lightest touch engaged with pleasure..i know it's crazy but i just feel so proud of him!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, I thought I'd prioritise it since I've not seen many other readers discussing it yet. Such a surprising and fascinating book. I'd be eager to read his first novel now (though I'm not that interested in cricket)

[@bstephens44]

Excellent, intelligent review. There were so many good books on the short list but i am happy Seven Moons won. Already have it on my to be re-read list. Interesting comparison to The Trees - I would add Glory to the same list - three books that explored very painful and vilolent histories with imagination and even humour.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you and yes that’s true and an excellent way to put it.

[@andreluissoriano]

Just finished this and it’s definitely already one of my most fave books of all time.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m glad it made such an impact on you.

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

As always, I love your enthusiasm! I unfortunately waited too long to try to order this, and it’s now out of stock in the places I’ve checked. Your review made me sign up to be notified when it’s back in stock, and I’m even more excited…I’m so grateful to the Booker for bringing forward a handful of books I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! I'm sad to hear it's challenging for readers to get copies of it. I guess it's a difficulty for a book which receives a relatively modest publication being catapulted onto the main stage that it takes time for more copies to be printed. Hope you get a copy soon!

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

@@EricKarlAnderson Thanks! And yes, this also happened for me with Tomb of Sand, which took a month and a half to get to me. It’s encouraging though, a sign that these books now have so many more readers (although as an author it does make me think of how close they must have been to vanishing into the midlist, and how many other incredible books out there, especially from indie presses, won’t get the attention they need and deserve.)

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Ohhhhh! Definitely intrigued and moved it up the TBR. 😊💙

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 😊📚

[@barbarablonsky7521]

Just finished this…..what a great read! I hated putting it down. So glad I found your You Tube review. Excellent recounting and analysis. Thank you!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks, I’m so glad you also felt so strongly about it. I think he has a collection of stories coming out later this year too.

[@drawyourbook876]

This was the one I was most excited for in the list. I am still waiting for my copy to arrive, but I am excited!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[@deheer10]

Thanks for your enthouastic review. It helped me in how to read the book, as it was a bit confusing in the beginning. We read this book in our readingclub of 8 for next friday here in Amsterdam. I’m curious how my fellowreaders experienced this book.

[@beverlynell]

I too loved this novel. His writing reminded me of Salman Rushdie.

[@TheEmzies]

I feel this Booker longlist is giving us some awesome reading. I've just finished my third from the list (Trust) and it was excellent. Picking up Glory from my local bookseller today to read over the weekend

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, it all seems very high quality. I've heard mixed things about Trust but feel encouraged to get to it since you feel so positively about it!

[@helenhickey3479]

I picked this up from Waterstones last week, excited to read it. Thanks for your wonderful review.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you enjoy it.

[@rinalore]

Wow, my📚book🪣bucket list is overflowing. With your summary it reminded me of "The Testament of Solomon" with😶‍🌫️demons shrouded in mystery. I do believe😶‍🌫️demons inhabit the earth, going back to the lost books of Enoch. I just saw this on the news and you seem to be a prophet. "Colombo, Oct 18 (EFE).- With the memory of the civil war that ravaged Sri Lanka for 30 years and the repression against the Marxist insurgency of the 80s still fresh, Sri Lankans celebrated Tuesday the Booker Prize for Literature to their countryman Shehan Karunatilaka with smiles and tears." I am truly smiling. 🌹Thanks for sharing, I am truly smiling my📚book loving friend. 🇨🇦+✌🏻📚♥️✨🌎💫

[@prakharbhardwaj303]

I’m so glad I finally found a Booktuber who is smart, an excellent reviewer and has great taste in books. I read this book and loved it ❤ although the incessant sexual references seemed unrealistic and distracting😅

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks so much!

[@jenvcampbell]

Lovely to hear your thoughts on this, and your comment about the book having a second life made me chuckle. xx

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😊 x

[@Onemorebookpodcast.]

What a great review. I just finished reading this book & boy, am I glad that I did not DNF it. It was written from a very new (for me) perspective that took me some time to get into but I now have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! I’m so glad you kept with it and enjoyed it.

[@lizhumphreys157]

Copies of this have just become available to book with my library, so of course I have my reservation firmly established. Great to hear that you rate it so highly - I am looking forward to reading it even more now, thanks Eric! 😀

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope your reservation comes in soon and you enjoy it as much as I did! 😊

[@janelevey3435]

You are a wonderful reviewer!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks so much! 😊📚

[@hayleyc5594]

This one sounds really intriguing and you review was very detailed. I will keep an eye out for this one.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you get a chance to read it.

[@brettsbookstack]

Waiting for my copy to arrive. Of the five I have left to read this is the one I’m most anticipating!!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[@rajesperera5507]

The writer is a sri Lankan as me he studied in my school s Thomas prep I'm 11

[@meghbanerjeemusic]

Loved your review. Will read this soon.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it.

[@starstuffpuff]

This book is currently on its way to me, and you got me really excited to read it :). Although I suspect I won’t have quiet the same experience of dread during that passage as I don’t believe in ghosts ;). Joking aside, the novel sounds intriguing and wonderful, and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Haha. It is wonderfully atmospheric.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

Was on my list. The review made me move it up on my list

[@cherylynlarking191]

just started the book and was inspired by your excellent recommendation. Thanks, Appreciated.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you enjoy it.

[@sandracorbett1]

I finished The Seven Moons today! My fifth Booker longlister and the best so far 😊

[@EricKarlAnderson]

So glad you agree!

[@FriendofDog]

Can't wait to read!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😊📚

[@troublesvalli9988]

Finished it today. Phenomenal book

[@cindyhaiken5644]

This is the only book on this year’s truly excellent Booker longlist I have not yet read and I hope my copy arrives soon so I can dive in. I loved The Trees so your comparison made me even more eager to read Seven Moons.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. And well done having read all the other books!

[@cindyhaiken5644]

@@EricKarlAnderson I had a decent head start when the longlist came out. But really I’ve been quite impressed with this year’s list.

[@dilanherath221]

Chats with the Dead was a wonderful read. Your review is interesting. Love from Sri Lanka.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! That's great to hear from someone from Sri Lanka.

[@mariannesherry1397]

Loved this book and loved your comments too... STILL SMILING about it!!!! Thx for ur thoughts on this wonderful creation!!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That’s great to hear. It’s so good!

[@andrewmolloy8848]

Brilliant review 👏

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks so much!

[@millysbookshelf2101]

On order from my library - sounds as if it is one I'm going to enjoy

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@trevorforsyth8329]

This sounds so good but not available in Australia till October.

[@Altruismisreal27]

Sounds like an interesting book. Nice review!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks!

[@vince9825]

Wow! This really sounds interesting!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's so good!

[@johnnamurraycamp5100]

I'm CRUSHED that I had purchased a copy of The Seven Moons but, a day later when the Booker longlist was revealed, the seller CANCELLED my order. I'll have read the other 12, but, as you suggest, this could be it. (Engage deep breathing.) Yes, I can wait. Nothing bad happens to anybody if I delay gratification. I walked my dog past the Stonewall every night for a gazillion nights before that night was The Night. ONward.

[@InebriatedKafka]

I got the blessed opportunity to meet and talk to the author and even got a signed copy.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Wonderful!

[@ceylonespecias]

Amazing

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Another lovely shirt Eric. I haven’t read it yet . I wonder is Maali is a reference to A Christmas Carol?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I don't think so, but interesting question.

[@bianquita1]

The longlist this year sure looks very enticing.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Lots of quality novels!

[@purplecrayon7281]

I've read 2 of the longlisted books so far. Small Things Like These - absolutely love it. I'll be shock if it is not shortlisted. The Trees - very interesting version of an alternate universe America, but it seems to be mostly shock value. Good but not great.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Glad you loved Keegan's book. I feel like Everett channeled a lot of frustration and made a statement about the reality of deeply ingrained prejudice/violence through such a darkly comic story rather than just trying to shock.

[@jaylive99]

Added to my TBR!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

👍

[@sandeesandwich2180]

I'd love to read this, but so far it is not available in my library system (in New England) and not even available via my usual online book source (B&N).

[@elsaesteves]

Thank you for your opinion, I wanted to order this book but didn't know anything about it, thanks to your opinion I'm going for it 👍

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@elsaesteves]

@@EricKarlAnderson I will, I've already ordered and payed for it at my local bookstore, have to wait a week for it 😑 I'm from Southern Europe

[@wijithabandara8520]

i will read

[@Chandransingham]

Very difficult read in the early parts but it became easier when the plot unfolded. Chapter Five Moons has the opening quote from Jeremiah 33:3 appears to author's license to discover the secret in Sri Lanka during he time of civil war. Final chapter appears to prove it as the light is seen. Jesus is mentioned a few times. An Anglican priest was cited. Catholic priests are roaming around in his narrative like so many others engineering students. Is he already in heaven or still purgatory?

[@bookofdust]

Sounds very intriguing, unfortunately I don’t see an eBook option for it in the US at present.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Hope copies become available soon.

[@KD-yn2ci]

Yep. Its my country .. 💔

[@athertonca]

It will be the last one of the longlist I read because it’s not published in the States. I have ordered it from Book Depository, but order status says it’s waiting for release in four days. I already have my shortlist picked out. Sounds like Seven Moons could throw a monkey wrench 🔧 (or spanner) in the works. 🤦‍♀️

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's a shame it's not out there yet. Hope you get a copy soon!

[@inarticulable]

I’m about halfway through and enjoying it so far and hope it gets shortlisted, though some parts are rather gruesome for me. I do hope that the account of the violence in Sri Lanka in the 80s is exaggerated as it sounds incredibly awful and bleak...

[@chathurinandani9793]

Love from Sri Lanka

[@EricKarlAnderson]

👋😊📚

[@SL_Beast]

As a Sri Lankan myself I'm ashamed that I still haven't read this.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

There’s still time!

[@RahulSingh-books]

I finished reading ‘Chats with the Dead’ yesterday. I agree with your review. It is a very strong contender for the winner category. I liked reading it too. The only things that didn’t work for me was too many characters being thrown at almost every page. Anyway, thanks for you review .

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it! There are a lot of characters and I wonder if I reread it at some point they’d become easier to keep track of.

[@anthonybillaustralia2182]

Prominently holds the book cover on display? Feels far too commercial.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

What am I supposed to do? Hide the book I’m talking about? I read this book because I wanted to and made a video about it because I feel passionate about it - not to make a commercial. 🙄

[@anthonybillaustralia2182]

@@EricKarlAnderson Hide it? No. That reply is nonsense.

[@annetteholman2999]

I found this book disturbing, chaotic and ultimately unreadable. The humor was grisly. On the whole I was disappointed with the calibre of Booker nominees this year.

[@borgorofborgington]

FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS THE NAME CORRECTLY BUT...NO...NO... HE SAID THE AUTHORS NAME INCORECTLY NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@apocalypsereading7117]

speaking of film references, limbo as an understaffed bureaucratic waiting room? Beetlejuice finally has a novelization!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha! Yes! 💚

[@ShineDark]

So, I've only made it to page 136 so far in this book, so I'm sorry if my response thus far is short-sighted. But I don't like it. I don't like the main character, the supporting characters, or its depiction of the afterlife.

[@shantha.k.8954]

Shehan Karunatillaka stole my manuscript and based his novel on my work making cosmetic changes. It's unconscionable and he should be held to account, the man who shared the original manuscript of the book, demanded - Rajpal Abeynayake

[@miraclebug1111]

Okay guys, everybody here is very well read. I understand. But the book is a little confusing to me. I lied. A lot confusing. Just a few pages deep and I'm already loosing clarity on what's happening really?? Is it just me who finds it confusing to get a grip on the story? What can I do to better understand it ? Start all over again ?🥲🥲 I really want to be able to understand it. It's just so much happening all at once. Is it just me who feels this? 🥲🥲

[@Nero18anton]