Shehan Karunatilaka
A Sri Lankan author, who won the Booker Prize for his satirical novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. His work is known for its unique blend of magical realism, dark humor, and biting political commentary, often set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's civil war. Karunatilaka's imaginative storytelling and courageous exploration of a tumultuous period offer a powerful and distinctive voice in contemporary literature.
Set in 1980s Sri Lanka, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida follows the titular character, a war photographer who finds himself in the afterlife with seven days to uncover the truth behind his death. Navigating a bureaucratic spirit world, Maali seeks to expose the atrocities of the civil war through his hidden photographs. Karunatilaka blends satire, fantasy, and political commentary to explore themes of justice, memory, and the complexities of a nation in turmoil.