SHEHAN KARUNATILAKA - Booker Prize-winning Author of The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Aug 29, 2023
auto_awesome
Shehan Karunatilaka, multi-award winning author, discusses the afterlife and meaning of life. He explores the motivations behind his book 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' and the importance of addressing Sri Lanka's civil war. The podcast also delves into uncovering the true nature of life, exploring the identity of the complex character Maali Almeida, and the role of novelists in creating whole worlds and pursuing new ideas. It ends by discussing AI-generated novels, reading for young people, and hope for a better future.
The novel explores questions of consciousness, memory, and the afterlife through the protagonist's journey as a ghost.
The book addresses Sri Lanka's troubled past, including the civil war, by examining the experiences of war victims and the need for collective healing.
Telica's writing style blends elements of a ghost story, murder mystery, and political thriller, presenting a multi-dimensional character who grapples with self-discovery and identity.
Deep dives
The Seven Moons of Mali Al-Meda: A Ghost Story that Raises Philosophical Questions
In Sheihan Karuna Telica's novel, The Seven Moons of Mali Al-Meda, the protagonist wakes up in a strange afterlife after being convinced that there is no afterlife. As a ghost, he embarks on a journey to solve his own murder and make sense of his life and relationships. The book delves into big philosophical questions about the meaning of life, the nature of memory, and the existence of an afterlife. Telica, inspired by real-life unsolved murder cases, weaves a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of identity, introspection, and the impact of war on Sri Lankan society.
Revisiting Sri Lanka's Troubled History through Fiction
Telica's novel serves as a platform to address the issues and wounds of Sri Lanka's troubled past, particularly the civil war and its aftermath. Through the protagonist's interaction with other ghosts, the book sheds light on the experiences of the victims of war and raises questions about accountability, justice, and the need for collective healing. Telica's research into historical events and his incorporation of urban legends and cultural beliefs add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking exploration of Sri Lanka's complex history.
Writing Style and Character Exploration in The Seven Moons of Mali Al-Meda
Telica's writing style effortlessly blends elements of a ghost story, murder mystery, and political thriller. The protagonist, Molly Al-Meda, a war photographer with a checkered past and a closeted gay identity, undergoes a transformation as he navigates the afterlife. Telica skillfully delves into Molly's memories, relationships, and self-reflections, presenting a multi-dimensional character who grapples with regrets, self-discovery, and the unraveling of his own identity. While addressing serious themes, the novel also incorporates elements of dark humor and references to literature and spirituality, adding richness and depth to the storytelling.
The Importance of Consistency in Writing
The podcast episode highlights the importance of consistency in the writing process. The speaker discusses their experience as a writer and emphasizes that writing a novel, article, or any form of writing requires showing up every day and putting in the work, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike. They draw parallels between their experience in advertising, where they had to come up with ideas on a deadline, and the discipline required in writing. The speaker also dispels the misconception that writing a novel is a straightforward process, highlighting the challenges, false starts, and revisions involved.
Exploring Truth and Complexity in Fiction Writing
The podcast episode delves into the purpose and power of fiction writing, specifically in relation to exploring truth and presenting complex narratives. The speaker discusses their novel, which is described as partly a murder mystery, but ultimately focuses on a quest for understanding and coming to terms with the complexity of life. They emphasize the importance of avoiding simplistic narratives or falsifying history in fiction and instead embrace the rich, disturbing complexity of the Sri Lankan Civil War as portrayed in their book. The speaker also reflects on the role of fiction writers in inhabiting different perspectives and creating new ideas that challenge existing narratives and contribute to the evolution of literature.
What happens when we die? What happens to our memories and consciousness when our bodies cease to be? In the end, is it the things we did and the people we loved that give our lives meaning?
Shehan Karunatilaka is the multi-award winning author. He is known for his novels dealing with the history, politics, and folklore of his home country of Sri Lanka. He won the Commonwealth Book Prize and the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature for his debut novel, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew, and the Booker Prize 2022 for his second novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. In addition to novels, he has written rock songs, screenplays and travel stories. Born in Colombo, he studied in New Zealand and has lived and worked in London, Amsterdam, and Singapore.
"I was very inspired to know that humans are not the be-all and end-all. We're just one state. But you could be in this state of consciousness, this kind of godly state, even a demonic state, but also the fact that all living creatures had souls and were affected by karma. And this is something we tend to forget, especially because animals are so tasty and therefore we have to justify slaughtering them on such a mass scale. So we want to believe that they don't count. Or they are somehow lesser souls than us. The cat doesn't believe that it's a pet. The cat believes they are the center of the universe. I'm sure the cockroach believes that they are the center of the universe, just as we do. And back to the thing you said: how our bodies inform our view. I think every living creature suffers and experiences joy. And therefore it's convenient for us to say that certain things don't have souls...whatever the soul is."
