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Monkfish Moon
In these stories, the acclaimed author of the Reef describes his homeland of Sri Lanka—a kind of paradise in which a sudden moment of silence in a city is cause for fear, where civil war disrupts a marriage thousands of miles away, and where the building up of home, relationships, and lives is more often than not swiftly and violently brought down. A New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
138 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
11 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Romesh Gunesekera
21 books196 followersRomesh Gunesekera was born in Sri Lanka where he spent his early years. Before coming to Britain he also lived in the Philippines. He now lives in London. In 2010 he was writer in residence at Somerset House.
His first novel, Reef, was published in 1994 and was short-listed as a finalist for the Booker Prize, as well as for the Guardian Fiction Prize. In the USA he was nominated for a New Voice Award.
Before that, in 1992 his first collection of stories, Monkfish Moon, was one of the first titles in Granta’s venture into book publishing. It was shortlisted for several prizes and named a New York Times Notable Book for 1993.
In 1998, he received the inaugural BBC Asia Award for Achievement in Writing & Literature for his novel The Sandglass. The previous year he was awarded one of the prestigious Italian literary prizes: the Premio Mondello Five Continents. In 1995 he won the Yorkshire Post Best First Work Award in Britain.
His third novel, Heaven’s Edge, a dystopian novel set in the near future was published by Bloomsbury in 2002.
Four years later Bloomsbury also published The Match hailed as one of the first novels in which cricket was celebrated, and a forerunner of the many cricket-related novels that have followed.
In 2008, a collection of his Madeira stories were published in a bilingual edition to celebrate its 500th anniversary of the founding of Funchal in Madeira.
His most recent novel is Suncatcher. His other books are Noontide Toll, a collection of linked stories, and the historical novel The Prisoner of Paradise.
Romesh Gunesekera is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has also received a National Honour in Sri Lanka.
He has been a judge for a number of literary prizes including the Caine Prize for African Writing, the David Cohen Literature Prize and the Forward Prize for Poetry. He has been a Guest Director at the Cheltenham Festival, an Associate Tutor at Goldsmiths College and on the Board of the Arvon Foundation for writing.
His first novel, Reef, was published in 1994 and was short-listed as a finalist for the Booker Prize, as well as for the Guardian Fiction Prize. In the USA he was nominated for a New Voice Award.
Before that, in 1992 his first collection of stories, Monkfish Moon, was one of the first titles in Granta’s venture into book publishing. It was shortlisted for several prizes and named a New York Times Notable Book for 1993.
In 1998, he received the inaugural BBC Asia Award for Achievement in Writing & Literature for his novel The Sandglass. The previous year he was awarded one of the prestigious Italian literary prizes: the Premio Mondello Five Continents. In 1995 he won the Yorkshire Post Best First Work Award in Britain.
His third novel, Heaven’s Edge, a dystopian novel set in the near future was published by Bloomsbury in 2002.
Four years later Bloomsbury also published The Match hailed as one of the first novels in which cricket was celebrated, and a forerunner of the many cricket-related novels that have followed.
In 2008, a collection of his Madeira stories were published in a bilingual edition to celebrate its 500th anniversary of the founding of Funchal in Madeira.
His most recent novel is Suncatcher. His other books are Noontide Toll, a collection of linked stories, and the historical novel The Prisoner of Paradise.
Romesh Gunesekera is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and has also received a National Honour in Sri Lanka.
He has been a judge for a number of literary prizes including the Caine Prize for African Writing, the David Cohen Literature Prize and the Forward Prize for Poetry. He has been a Guest Director at the Cheltenham Festival, an Associate Tutor at Goldsmiths College and on the Board of the Arvon Foundation for writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 15, 2019
And exquisite and empyreal beauty hangs over the stories in 'Monkfish Moon'; they are not the kind of stories which shock you with their brilliance, instead they lull you with their deftness, which drawn you in with their quiescence and quietude; the type of stories which you are liable to forget only to be shocked into remembrance of the one of the small, unnoticed details which are interspersed in so many of the stories, whether it be the gentle pulsations of the stars in the endless blackness of the Sri Lankan sky, or the blaze of harlequin colours on a busy street.
The narrator is often uncertain about the true motivations and thoughts of the characters they are depicting; the reader is treated to peeks into their thoughts and motivations, however these peeks are often shrouded via a fog of uncertainty. There are no easy answers in the collection of the stories, so whether it be the coquettish (or just friendly) tourist and her potential flirtation with the narrator of 'Captives' of the silence which dominates the relationship between Nalini and Tiru, readers are often left to draw their own conclusions on stories which often don't have any, instead acting as snapshots on the lives of the characters it depicts.
The narrator is often uncertain about the true motivations and thoughts of the characters they are depicting; the reader is treated to peeks into their thoughts and motivations, however these peeks are often shrouded via a fog of uncertainty. There are no easy answers in the collection of the stories, so whether it be the coquettish (or just friendly) tourist and her potential flirtation with the narrator of 'Captives' of the silence which dominates the relationship between Nalini and Tiru, readers are often left to draw their own conclusions on stories which often don't have any, instead acting as snapshots on the lives of the characters it depicts.
August 9, 2025
A short anthology based in Srilanka of the late 20th century. The first story was the best. Gave me a glimpse of Srilanka via native eyes.
September 10, 2012
I read Romesh Gunesekera's Reef over 10 years ago and remembered enjoying it very much, so when I saw a collection of short stories by him in a used book store, I decided to make the purchase. Admittedly, I do not know much about the history of Sri Lanka/ Ceylon. (I'm assuming the latter is the politically correct way of referring to the country?) Most of what I know, I've learned from reading Michael Ondaatje novels, the musician M.I.A, and documentary films, specifically "No More Tears Sister." Therefore, I have a somewhat pop history understanding of the culture and political conflict. This collection of stories, in particular, gives a wide range of post colonial voices to consider: the diaspora educated abroad; local entrepreneurs trying to make a living; simple men, happy with no land, no belongings stuck in a caste system of sorts.
The stories are also speckled with signs of change – percolating but its potential not yet understood or imagined. A shop owner is killed because he sells newspapers. A young businessman opens a hotel hoping to attract tourists. Prodigal sons returning. Each story has a different flavor, but like chai, Monkfish Moon melds together sweetly.
The stories are also speckled with signs of change – percolating but its potential not yet understood or imagined. A shop owner is killed because he sells newspapers. A young businessman opens a hotel hoping to attract tourists. Prodigal sons returning. Each story has a different flavor, but like chai, Monkfish Moon melds together sweetly.
February 9, 2017
Descriptive writing can change the landscape of a particular piece. It can pull the reader in like few others can. Descriptive writing can transcend many emotions, moods, places and people.
This writer's descriptions of seemingly mundane things is fascinating. He takes it upon himself to accurately place us there, in his world, amongst his creations and lets us converse with them.
All nine stories do not have concrete endings. You are left at the nose of a cliff. You can feel the flirtatious calls of the wind. You can see the inviting whiff of the sea. Every story starts off on a few trajectories and each of those has many a projectile. It is up to us, to decide on the story.
Isn't that what a good book is all about?
This writer's descriptions of seemingly mundane things is fascinating. He takes it upon himself to accurately place us there, in his world, amongst his creations and lets us converse with them.
All nine stories do not have concrete endings. You are left at the nose of a cliff. You can feel the flirtatious calls of the wind. You can see the inviting whiff of the sea. Every story starts off on a few trajectories and each of those has many a projectile. It is up to us, to decide on the story.
Isn't that what a good book is all about?
July 28, 2017
I read this soon after a trip to Sri Lanka; one of the guide books had listed it as recommended reading. I guess I was expecting more hard-hitting stories. That's not to say what you find in this thin volume lacks quality. The stories are peppered with humour where necessary, but they're also unsettling.
March 18, 2021
A collection of short stories about middle class life in Sri Lanka, thoughts and concerns about terrorism, immigration, activism and politics.These stories lull you to sleep like the rhythmic sound of waves splashing against the ocean rocks. They exude the humid and condensed feeling of a seaside town. Beauifully written.
May 28, 2020
The book is a collection of short stories that depicts lives of Sri Lankans who are consumed by their struggles.
I thought the author possessed a seemingly clever form of storytelling that is quite captivating.
Enjoyed it very much!
I thought the author possessed a seemingly clever form of storytelling that is quite captivating.
Enjoyed it very much!
January 22, 2021
Interesting, beautifully written book of short stories set in the world of the author, a Sri Lankan Booker Prize winner. In lyrical prose peppered with terse dialog, Romesh Gunesekera probes the lives of his countrymen and women caught in dangerously changing times, between Western and Asian cultures, between their needs and their desires.
August 19, 2025
While Gunesekera’s writing style has always been so idiomatic and picturesque, I found these short stories to be just…okay. Personally, I found the shortcoming to be the lack of substance and the point of narrative the stories were written from.
Let me elaborate; going in I was expecting short stories from a time of war, violence, and political unrest— a detailed and expanded account of the events. In fairness, yes, most stories did mention these events sometimes, but that’s it! It was just mentioned, and barely scratched the surface; in return I don’t think the reader (unless you are familiar with srilankan history) understands how severe and dangerous these times were for the people, and also how it contributed to economic hardships, social tensions, and political grievances.
I believe this is due to the point of narrative, as majority of these stories are told from a somewhat privileged character. This is not to say these people were not affected by these events, but most of these people were either living abroad/lived abroad, villa owners/wealthy, or had some kind of privilege that grouped them out from the groups of common folk.
Maybe it was the authors intention to show that even though a country is going through a war, not everyone would experience it the same — you’re still divided based on your socioeconomic background. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to see any stories from the people who were directly and brutally affected, that had to live in the war zones, because I think that would’ve made the collection more sincere and pragmatic.
Let me elaborate; going in I was expecting short stories from a time of war, violence, and political unrest— a detailed and expanded account of the events. In fairness, yes, most stories did mention these events sometimes, but that’s it! It was just mentioned, and barely scratched the surface; in return I don’t think the reader (unless you are familiar with srilankan history) understands how severe and dangerous these times were for the people, and also how it contributed to economic hardships, social tensions, and political grievances.
I believe this is due to the point of narrative, as majority of these stories are told from a somewhat privileged character. This is not to say these people were not affected by these events, but most of these people were either living abroad/lived abroad, villa owners/wealthy, or had some kind of privilege that grouped them out from the groups of common folk.
Maybe it was the authors intention to show that even though a country is going through a war, not everyone would experience it the same — you’re still divided based on your socioeconomic background. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to see any stories from the people who were directly and brutally affected, that had to live in the war zones, because I think that would’ve made the collection more sincere and pragmatic.
March 8, 2020
A gentle collection of short stories by a seminal writer. Gunesekara deftly reflects on the attitudes, concerns and anguish of Sri Lankans living abroad, in Colombo, on the coast, or in the hills. He writes, in both the third and first person, using voices of business people, those struggling overseas, poor villagers and the young. He picks over damaged family lives, dealings with tourists, being betrothed, married life, reflecting on faint hopes and aspirations. His voice is both muted but clear and gives a strong sense of how the political and social conflicts during the 1960s to 80s impacted on those living in Sri Lanka as well as those who chose to leave.
July 21, 2022
Gripping stories from Sri Lanka. War in the important background. Love. Houses rebuilt or burning. Deaths and those left behind, struggling to understand. Dreams. Sensations of the environment. Mysteries and sadnesses.
January 9, 2024
Small stories, Monkfish Moon is full of delightful voices and painfully honest imagery that feels authentic and connecting. The short nature of these tales may leave the reader wanting more in some cases, or wishing for less melancholy, but I found them to be transportative none the less.
March 4, 2019
This is a delightful collection of short stories.
September 15, 2022
2/6 points, short stories, despite tropical setting still not liking genre
November 23, 2023
My thoughts on Carapace and Monkfish Moon
Carapace
“And when the lights flashed on him I could see him looking straight at me like he really wanted to dance with me. We danced all night. He bought me rum and coke and smoked lots of cigarettes. In the end he asked whether we could meet again.”
Luxuries do not equal love
Monkfish Moon
“He looked at me as it from a great distance, and said in a slightly mocking voice that long ago when he was my age, most of all she had wanted a spiritually pure life. He had really wanted to be a monk. To live in complete detachment on nothing but the poetry of the mind..
He looked down at his drink. “But before you can chuck away the world like that, you have to have it in your hand, no?”
“He poked the ice in his glass with a thick stubby finger, and then waved the wet finger at the antique Dutch furniture and pieces of carved ivory dotted around the room..
He looked up at me looking for something. He lit yet another cigarette. The whites of his eyes were yellow and marbled with fine red veins. You know I really wanted to be a monk. I told you didn’t I? A monk. Give up everything you know? He looked down and noticed some rice grains on his silk tie. He flipped them off and smooth the tie back down on the high curve of the stomach his mouth collapsed in an awkward smile. He held the cigarette to it and painted his breath let out a thin trail of smoke that’s slowly spread out above him, ascending.”
choosing to live in the comfort of ignorance even though you are conscious of the truths that will give you more than just comfort, lasting content. Knowing you are clouding your mind, how you do it, but not changing a thing. I fear this is me
Carapace
“And when the lights flashed on him I could see him looking straight at me like he really wanted to dance with me. We danced all night. He bought me rum and coke and smoked lots of cigarettes. In the end he asked whether we could meet again.”
Luxuries do not equal love
Monkfish Moon
“He looked at me as it from a great distance, and said in a slightly mocking voice that long ago when he was my age, most of all she had wanted a spiritually pure life. He had really wanted to be a monk. To live in complete detachment on nothing but the poetry of the mind..
He looked down at his drink. “But before you can chuck away the world like that, you have to have it in your hand, no?”
“He poked the ice in his glass with a thick stubby finger, and then waved the wet finger at the antique Dutch furniture and pieces of carved ivory dotted around the room..
He looked up at me looking for something. He lit yet another cigarette. The whites of his eyes were yellow and marbled with fine red veins. You know I really wanted to be a monk. I told you didn’t I? A monk. Give up everything you know? He looked down and noticed some rice grains on his silk tie. He flipped them off and smooth the tie back down on the high curve of the stomach his mouth collapsed in an awkward smile. He held the cigarette to it and painted his breath let out a thin trail of smoke that’s slowly spread out above him, ascending.”
choosing to live in the comfort of ignorance even though you are conscious of the truths that will give you more than just comfort, lasting content. Knowing you are clouding your mind, how you do it, but not changing a thing. I fear this is me
November 12, 2022
3.5/5 stars
i'm so used to reading sri lankan english books that are centered around the civil war or black july that i expected these short stories to reflect those times in a much more shocking way. monkfish moon is simply about people's own, smaller struggles set in a backdrop of disquiet, and each story leaves you with a sense of lingering sadness. romesh gunasekera's skilled writing added beauty to the unease, and it made me think of my home country in a much fonder, if sadder, light.
i'm so used to reading sri lankan english books that are centered around the civil war or black july that i expected these short stories to reflect those times in a much more shocking way. monkfish moon is simply about people's own, smaller struggles set in a backdrop of disquiet, and each story leaves you with a sense of lingering sadness. romesh gunasekera's skilled writing added beauty to the unease, and it made me think of my home country in a much fonder, if sadder, light.
August 24, 2013
Again read while i was in Sri Lanka, open minded and curious about the world around me. This collection of short stories, some set on the island, some set in England, are amazingly instructive, insightful, thoughtful and poignant about the complexities of the simple, human reality of life in a post-colonial, internally unsettled country. A book that really opens your mind and your eyes, without telling you what to think, for there is no good and bad, just the mess of reality. Great if you have knowledge of, or interest in, Sri Lanka or want more!
April 5, 2015
The prose is tender, yet intense, and the sentences have a clinical precision. I liked ‘Ullswater’ the best followed by ‘A House in the Country’ and ‘Captives’.
Considering that this collection was published in 1992, these stories are vividly relevant to this day, though post war Sri Lanka, where these stories are set, is a slightly different world now.
Considering that this collection was published in 1992, these stories are vividly relevant to this day, though post war Sri Lanka, where these stories are set, is a slightly different world now.
May 17, 2014
I rarely read short stories any more, but this was well worth a few evenings to read. Evocative and thought-provoking, with a strong sense of place. Hard to imagine what it would be like to have your home torn apart as Sri Lanka was, but this gives some sense of it.
October 4, 2008
Found in "Free Books" at TCC. I give it two and a half stars. Most interesting to me because of the Sri Lankan author and his perspective.
August 29, 2014
"A House in the Country" is one of the best short stories I've read.
April 28, 2011
short, interesting, but not that gripping
August 7, 2011
good collection of stories.
November 2, 2011
Would probably be 3 and a half. The political situation is never far from the stories - as may be expected. Lovely descriptions of the countryside and sea. Stories are very different.
February 18, 2014
Liked very much. A collection of interesting stories. I love this little book. Reading it again.
May 9, 2015
Romesh Gunesekera looks at his war-torn, savaged motherland with the kind of affection a son or a daughter may have for their ailing parent; scarred, scared and exhausted often, but never giving up.
February 5, 2016
Good variety of stories, crossing genders, ages and traveling across Sri Lanka to London. I enjoyed these glimpses into other lives.
May 10, 2025
3.4 ⭐️
Ranking:
1. Captives
2. Batik
3. Monkfish moon
4. Ullswater
5. Ranvali
6. Storm Petrel
7. Carapace
8. House in the country
9. Straw hats
Ranking:
1. Captives
2. Batik
3. Monkfish moon
4. Ullswater
5. Ranvali
6. Storm Petrel
7. Carapace
8. House in the country
9. Straw hats
August 25, 2015
Beautiful colours . Short sentences , super depictions ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews