News

Sri Lankan Writer Shehan Karunatilaka Wins 2022’s Booker Prize

The Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka wins Booker Prize in 2022 with his novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida (2022).

Karunatilaka’s newest book tells the story of Almeida, that dies and tries to navigate the afterlife with his “seven moons.” Furthermore, with his unique ability, Almeida needs to use them to know who killed him. Not only that, but he also has to unveil the mysterious cache of his photos that exposes the cruelty of war. Throughout his journey, Almeida encounters maimed and mutilated victims of sectarian violence. 

Picture: New York Times

Other nominees for this award are:

Picture: BBC News

Behind the scenes of Karunatilaka’s novel

Additionally, Karunatilaka shared that he decided to write “a ghost story where the dead could offer their perspective” back in 2009.

The story is set at the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, “when there was a raging debate over how many civilians died and whose fault it was.”

The judges’ comment on The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida (2022)

The head judge, Neil MacGregor, sings praises of Karunatilaka’s well-deserved win. He says, “the scope and the skill, the daring, the audacity and hilarity” of the novel is an “afterlife noir” that “takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey through life and death.”

Expectantly, the judges’ decisions were unanimous. All the shortlisted books were “(…) about one question, and that is what’s the point of an individual life?”

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida (2022) is Karunatilaka’s hope for clarity and change

Picture: BBC News

Moreover, in his acceptance speech, Karunatilaka voices, “My hope is that in the not-too-distant future… Sri Lanka has understood that these ideas of corruption and race-baiting and cronyism have not worked and will never work.”

This is Karunatilaka’s second book after winning numerous awards for his debut novel, Chinaman, including the Commonwealth Book Prize. It is crowned “the second best cricket book of all time” by the Wisden cricketers’ almanack. 

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, The New York Times

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Not Just Big Sales Anymore, Lazada Drops Daily Deals

Gone are the days when online shopping was just about big monthly sales and surprise… Read More

5 hours ago

Red Army Watches Malaysia & SEVENFRIDAY Celebrate Merdeka with a Limited-Edition Riley Bear in Batik

In celebration of Malaysia’s Independence Day and Malaysia Day 2025, Red Army Watches Malaysia is… Read More

7 hours ago

HABIB Celebrates Malaysia’s Heritage with Modern Sparkle This Merdeka

Malaysia’s homegrown jeweller, HABIB, returns with its iconic Jualan Merdeka campaign, running nationwide from now… Read More

8 hours ago

Sacoor Brothers Reimagines Luxury with New Flagship Boutique at Suria KLCC

Portuguese luxury fashion house Sacoor Brothers has unveiled its newly redesigned flagship boutique at Suria… Read More

8 hours ago

Casio x The Sandbox: G-SHOCK Is Now in the Metaverse

Brace yourself, your favorite tough-as-nails watch just got a futuristic makeover. Casio is teaming up… Read More

11 hours ago

Pandora’s “Colour Pop” Collection Is Serving Summer Energy in Every Sparkle

Looking to brighten up your style this summer? Pandora's latest “Colour Pop” collection is bringing… Read More

12 hours ago

This website uses cookies.