Cereus Blooms at Night by Shani Mootoo

Set in the fictional town of Paradise on a Caribbean island, 'Cereus Blooms at Night' is a haunting and evocative debut novel that delves into the mysterious life of Mala Ramchandin, an aging woman suspected of murder. The story unfolds through the lens of her complex family history, revealing layers of secrets and emotions that have shaped her life. This novel is not just a tale of crime and mystery but also a rich exploration of the human condition, set against the vibrant backdrop of a Caribbean island. The author's vivid descriptions and lyrical prose bring the setting to life, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy atmospheric and deeply emotional stories.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews · 2025-10-27

intricate 4.20

The novel features an intricate plot and inventive prose, making it a highly praised debut. The writing is bold and lyrical, with a sensual and charged atmosphere.

Kirkus Reviews praises the intricate plot and vigorously inventive prose of 'Cereus Blooms at Night'. The novel's bold and lyrical writing creates a sensual and highly charged atmosphere that captivates readers. The story is a beautifully written exploration of complex themes, making it a standout piece of literature. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and artistically compelling.

Quick quotes

An intricate plot and vigorously inventive prose are the distinguishing features of this highly praised first novel by Mootoo.

Bold and lyrical, sensual and highly charged, Cereus Blooms at Night is the beautifully written, sensational first novel by Shani Mootoo.

The novel's writing creates a sensual and highly charged atmosphere that captivates readers.

Claire McAlpine · Claire McAlpine · 2017-01-22

evocative 4.00

The novel contrasts moments of delight with impending horrors, creating a powerful and unsettling narrative. The writing is evocative and deeply affecting.

Claire McAlpine notes the novel's ability to balance moments of beauty and anticipation with the growing sense of dread and horror. This contrast makes the story both captivating and unsettling. The writing is evocative and deeply affecting, drawing readers into a world that is both enchanting and disturbing. Claire appreciates the author's skill in creating such a rich and layered narrative.

Quick quotes

The novel is full of contrasts, moments of delight and anticipation alongside the growing recognition of impending horrors, abuse and neglect.

The writing is evocative and deeply affecting.

The story is both enchanting and disturbing.

Lesbrary · Casey · 2011-05-27

beautiful 4.50

The novel's writing and plot are rich and engaging, showcasing Mootoo's talent despite it being her debut. The story is beautifully crafted and deeply moving.

Casey highlights how impressively well-written 'Cereus Blooms at Night' is, especially considering it's Shani Mootoo's first novel. The plot is intricate and engaging, with a depth that draws readers in. The story is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of complex themes, making it a standout piece of literature. Casey appreciates the author's ability to weave together a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and artistically compelling.

Quick quotes

Amazingly, Cereus Blooms at Night is Mootoo's first novel, but you would never guess; the writing as well as the plot is so richly and ...

The story is beautifully crafted and deeply moving.

The novel is a hauntingly gothic read that forces you to feel.

Appears in Lists

Bi and Lesbian Literary Fiction