Cereus Blooms At Night by Shani Mootoo is lauded for its evocative prose and rich, atmospheric storytelling. Critics praise its exploration of complex themes such as identity, trauma, and resilience. However, some find the narrative pacing uneven and certain character developments less convincing. Overall, it stands out for its emotional depth and vivid setting.

Readers who cherish multi-layered narratives exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and queer identity in a Caribbean setting will find Cereus Blooms at Night by Shani Mootoo captivating. Fans of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy or Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will appreciate Mootoo’s poetic prose and richly drawn characters.

In Cereus Blooms at Night, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Lantanacamara, nurse Tyler cares for elderly, nonverbal Mala Ramchandin at the Paradise Alms House, uncovering her tragic history of abuse, abandonment, and survival. Their friendship deepens as Tyler learns about Mala's troubled past with her abusive father and her connection to Tyler's schoolmate Ambrose and his transgender son, Otoh. The plot explores generational trauma and sexual identity. 

Content includes depictions of sexual abuse, incest, and family violence.

Emotional / Mysterious / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Contemplative

Shani Mootoo

Adult

Novel

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