Sri Lankan Author Shehan Karunatilaka Wins 2022 Booker Prize for “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”
Shehan Karunatilaka has won the 2022 Booker Prize for his novel “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida.” The £50,000 prize honors the best English-language fiction published in the UK and Ireland. This achievement marks a milestone for Sri Lankan literature.
Karunatilaka is the second Sri Lankan-born author to receive the Booker Prize. Michael Ondaatje won in 1992 for “The English Patient.” This recognition highlights the rich landscape of contemporary fiction from Sri Lanka.
“The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” is a supernatural satire set during the Sri Lankan civil war. It follows a gay war photographer, Maali Almeida, on his quest to expose wartime atrocities.
Neil MacGregor, the judging panel chair, praised the book’s ambition and audacity. He called it an “afterlife noir” that pushes genre boundaries.
Karunatilaka’s win brings hope to Sri Lanka’s literary community amid political and economic turmoil. In his speech, he addressed Sri Lankans in Tamil and Sinhalese, recognizing the moment’s importance.
Shehan Karunatilaka’s “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” Wins Prestigious Award
Sri Lankan-born author Shehan Karunatilaka has won the 2022 Booker Prize. His novel “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” is a supernatural satire set during Sri Lanka’s civil war. The story follows a murdered photographer who wakes up in a celestial visa office in 1990.
Karunatilaka is the second Sri Lankan-born author to receive this prestigious literary award. Michael Ondaatje won in 1992 for “The English Patient.” This win marks a significant achievement for South Asian literature.
A Supernatural Satire Set Amidst Sri Lankan Civil War
The novel blends murder mystery, comedy, and metaphysical themes. It explores the complexities of the Sri Lankan civil war through a deceased photographer’s eyes. The judging panel praised the book’s ambitious scope, daring audacity, and hilarious tone.
Head judge Neil MacGregor described it as an “afterlife noir.” The book skillfully tackles weighty themes like life’s purpose and an individual’s role in society. Karunatilaka was awarded the £50,000 prize unanimously.
Karunatilaka Becomes Second Sri Lankan-Born Author to Win Booker Prize
Born in Galle, Sri Lanka, in 1975, Karunatilaka was raised in Colombo. His victory comes 30 years after Michael Ondaatje’s win. Karunatilaka’s debut novel “Chinaman” previously won the Commonwealth Book Prize.
The author’s success showcases the growing recognition of South Asian literature globally. It highlights the importance of diverse voices in the literary world. “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” was published by independent press Sort of Books.
The 2022 Booker Prize ceremony was the first in-person event since 2019. Queen Consort Camilla presented the award, and singer-songwriter Dua Lipa gave the keynote speech. The prestigious award has been given annually since 1969.
Past winners include Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, and Yann Martel. Karunatilaka’s win recognizes his exceptional storytelling. It also sheds light on the Sri Lankan civil war and its lasting impact on the nation’s collective consciousness.
Sri Lankan Author Shehan Karunatilaka Wins 2022 Booker Prize
Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka won the 2022 Booker Prize for “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida.” The £50,000 award was presented at a London ceremony.
The literary judges praised the novel’s ambitious scope and hilarious audacity. Set during the 1990 Sri Lankan civil war, it blends murder mystery and comedy.
Judges Praise the Novel’s Ambition, Scope, and Hilarious Audacity
The Booker Prize judges reviewed 170 books before selecting six finalists. Karunatilaka’s novel stood out for its unique storytelling and daring approach.
They applauded its balance of humor and tragedy. The book explores the human condition amidst war’s chaos.
Karunatilaka Addresses the People of Sri Lanka in Tamil and Sinhalese During Acceptance Speech
In his speech, Karunatilaka spoke in Tamil and Sinhalese to Sri Lankans. He expressed hope for a future where his novel becomes fantasy, not political satire.
His words highlighted literature’s role in fostering understanding across divides. The audience was moved by his heartfelt message.
Born in 1975, Karunatilaka has won other prestigious literary awards. He’s the second Sri Lankan author to receive the Booker Prize.
His success showcases Sri Lanka’s thriving literary scene. It proves the country’s ability to produce world-class talent, as fiery as Chili Heat.
Plot and Themes of “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida”
Shehan Karunatilaka’s novel grips readers with its afterlife noir set in Sri Lanka’s civil war. Maali Almeida, a murdered photographer, has seven moons to solve his death. His goal: guide the living to photos exposing war atrocities.
Afterlife Noir: A Photographer’s Quest to Expose Civil War Atrocities
The story unfolds during Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war. It highlights the Tamil pogrom of July 1983, where hundreds were killed. Through Maali’s journey, we see military brutality and civil unrest.
Blending Genres: Murder Mystery, Comedy, and Metaphysical Themes
Karunatilaka mixes murder mystery, ghost story, and political satire. The tale unfolds over seven moons, keeping readers hooked. It includes a touching gay love story between Maali and DD.
This subplot reveals Colombo’s gay subculture. It also sheds light on rural Sri Lanka’s LGBTQ+ experiences.
Confronting Corruption, Race-Baiting, and Cronyism in Sri Lankan Society
The novel tackles key issues from Sri Lanka’s civil war era. It explores corruption, race-baiting, and cronyism, drawing from real events. By blending living and dead realms, it comments on violence and morality.
Karunatilaka’s work shows the war’s lasting impact on Sri Lankan society. It offers a powerful look at a troubled time in history.
