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368
Novel • Fiction
Sri Lanka • 1980s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan explores the experiences of a young Sri Lankan woman navigating the complexities of civil war. Set in the 1980s, the narrative delves into her struggles, losses, and resilience amid the conflict, offering an intimate portrayal of her life and relationships during tumultuous times.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
10,553 ratings
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Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan has garnered praise for its evocative portrayal of the Sri Lankan civil war through the eyes of a medical student. Critics commend the novel's rich characterization and emotional depth, but some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it is noted as a compelling and thought-provoking read that illuminates a complex historical period.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with a strong emotional core and complex characters will enjoy Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things will find its exploration of family, loyalty, and political turmoil particularly compelling.
10,553 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
K
A young man from Sashi's village, who shares her academic aspirations and becomes involved with the Tamil Tigers, illustrating the conflict’s impact on personal relationships.
Anjali Premachandran
A charismatic and idealistic professor at Sashi’s medical school, who inspires Sashi with her bravery and commitment to documenting the truth about the war.
Niranjan Kulenthiren
The quiet and principled eldest brother of Sashi, whose life and decisions significantly affect her experiences during the conflict.
Dayalan Kulenthiren
Sashi’s poetic and dreamy brother, whose life is deeply affected by the war and its implications for their family.
Seelan Kulenthiren
Sashi’s sharp and impatient brother, who passionately engages with the ideology of the Tamil Tigers, highlighting divisions within families during the war.
Aran Kulenthiren
Sashi’s stoically wise youngest brother, who seeks exile to protect his principles amidst the family’s struggles during the conflict.
368
Novel • Fiction
Sri Lanka • 1980s
2023
Adult
18+ years
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