58 pages 1 hour read

Brotherless Night

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Book Brief

V.V. Ganeshananthan

Brotherless Night

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sri Lanka • 1980s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.5

10,553 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Brotherless Night?

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.

4.5

10,553 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Sashi Kulenthiren

The first-person narrator and protagonist, a member of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, who dreams of becoming a doctor and becomes involved in documenting the human rights violations during the Sri Lankan civil war.

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.

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.

The quiet and principled eldest brother of Sashi, whose life and decisions significantly affect her experiences during the conflict.

Sashi’s poetic and dreamy brother, whose life is deeply affected by the war and its implications for their family.

Sashi’s sharp and impatient brother, who passionately engages with the ideology of the Tamil Tigers, highlighting divisions within families during the war.

Sashi’s stoically wise youngest brother, who seeks exile to protect his principles amidst the family’s struggles during the conflict.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sri Lanka • 1980s

Publication Year

2023

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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