UWRF 2023: The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Main Program, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
22 October 2023 | 13:00 - 14:00
Alang-Alang Stage at Taman Baca
Program description
Join Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka in a lively discussion with Intan Paramaditha about his acclaimed novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. Described as ‘a searing, mordantly funny satire set amid the murderous mayhem of a Sri Lanka beset by civil war,’ Karunatilaka will share insights into his unique storytelling style, from his inspiration to character development and language. Considered an impressive literary force, he continues to inspire with his creativity and humor.
All photos by Rio Kharisma/ UWRF.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida is a novel that cannot be categorised easily. As political novel that delves into the Sri Lanka’s history, it deploys the structure of a detective story. The speculative element of the novel is very intriguing., throwing many what-if questions for readers to think about, e,g, what if the afterlife is like a bureaucratic, government office? It also weaves myths and elements of horror, the grotesque, and banal violence; mutilated bodies are part of daily realities. The dark, absurd tone of the novel is enhanced by sharp, bitter, but funny dialogue.
Shehan Karunatilaka shares his thoughts on the detective novel structure, ghost stories, second-person POV, literary influences, writing and politics.
