And, then Humanity wins….

Shehan Karunatilaka, a well-known Sri Lankan novelist, is the author of “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” a genre-defying metaphysical thriller that blurs the lines between life and death. The protagonist becomes aware of his death and starts on a seven-day odyssey to discover the truth behind his murder. The novel dives into the traumatic civil conflict in Sri Lanka, as captured by the deceased protagonist, a homosexual photographer, through a philosophical and often hilarious narrative. Karunatilaka’s ambitious and thought-provoking work opposes oblivion, asking Sri Lanka to learn from its history. Although the novel’s complicated mythology and many characters may pose difficulties for readers, the novel’s imaginative force and adventurous storytelling merit praise.

Maali begins the narrative in ‘In-Between’, a region that acts as an afterlife before rebirth. Karunatilaka can address death, rebirth, and bureaucracy in this environment. The work contains aspects of magical realism, giving it a bizarre and thought-provoking environment, and draws influence from literary greats such as Haruki Murakami, George Saunders and Kurt Vonnegut. Maali’s quest to recall his murder and discover the truth motivates the plot. His purpose is to put a stop to the killing and the conflict. He thinks that by photographing the battle’s brutality and tragedies, he might expose the government’s wrongdoings and catalyse change. The story takes readers on a satirical tour of Sri Lanka’s sociopolitical environment, criticising all parties implicated in the violence but absolving no one of responsibility.

The author in the book deftly incorporates Hinduism, Buddhism, and Catholicism into his enthralling realm. Souls can fly through the air in this realm, and ghosts travel by riding the wind, settling their affairs before they are compelled to reach the light or remain permanently stuck in this world. Some remain as ghosts or malevolent creatures, spreading evil thoughts and contributing to our misery. It is a beautifully conceived universe in which disillusioned and resentful spirits unleash evil, sin, and even sickness on the living, inflicting agony and sorrow.

Karunatilaka’s work goes deep into the realities of war, depicting the ubiquitous bloodshed with uncompromising honesty. Despite the slaughter, the author is keenly aware of the beauty in ordinary life. The work brilliantly shows the contrast between savagery and natural splendour, adding a dimension of poignancy and applauding the persistence of the human spirit. Here, I could remember some of the poems by Meena Kandasamy from her book ‘The Orders Were To Rape You‘, where the dark side of Tami Eelam was explained.

The overall impression is still excellent, even though editing and adjustments for a wider readership may have occasionally caused writing gaps and confusing sections because of the second-person narrative. The In-Between’s portrayal may sometimes disturb the story’s flow, which can occasionally become protracted and awkward. Maali’s images, in the end, do not fulfil their intended aim, yet they make an impact. The pictures, like Maali, meet a terrible fate, emphasising the fleeting nature of life. Despite the mindless horror of war, Karunatilaka respects nature’s eternal beauty and the basic joys of life.

“The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” captures war’s grief and tragedy while honouring humanity’s resilient spirit. It is a daring and ambitious work that addresses big issues with intensity and clarity. The book provides readers with a unique viewpoint and respect for the intricacies of life via its investigation of Sri Lankan politics, mythology, and folklore.

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