Synopsis
Set on a fictional Caribbean island in the town of Paradise, Cereus Blooms at Night unveils the mystery surrounding Mala Ramchandin and the tempestuous history of her family. At the heart of this bold and seductive novel is an alleged crime committed many years before the story opens. Mala is the reclusive old woman suspected of murder who is delivered to the Paradise Alms House after a judge finds her unfit to stand trial. When she arrives at her new home, frail and mute, she is placed in the tender care of Tyler, a vivacious male nurse, who becomes her unlikely confidante and the storyteller of Mala's extraordinary life. In luminous, sensual prose, internationally acclaimed writer Shani Mootoo combines diverse storytelling traditions to explore identity, gender, and violence in a celebration of our capacity to love.
My Thoughts
Shani Mootoo is most definitely a talented author after finishing the story I needed a few days to digest it before I could write a review. Mala Ramchandin ( the main character) is said to be crazy and responsible for the death of her father. The story starts with Mala being admitted to a home and cared for by Tyler, a misunderstood nurse who cares for Mala in a way that stuns his peers.
As we learn about Mala's life we are taken on an emotional journey, one full of hurt and disappointment. What I found interesting about the story was the setting, i think the author blended very well the flora and fauna of the environment with the situation. This book would really make a rich book club discussion.
This was quite a heartbreaking and emotional story and while I didn't love it I would recommend it.
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