As the story opens in 1981, we meet its narrator, Sashi, a 16-year old Tamil girl living in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The role the governments played in the war was disheartening and there were many parts that were difficult to read. Sometimes there were cobras in the bunkers; sometimes after a storm foul smelling water filled them and we rose from them rank and cold. Ganeshananthan did a masterful job not only crafting this story and setting but also with her characterization. Although she doesn't agree with the rebellion as they commit many atrocities as well, Sashi makes the decision to provide medical care for the rebels but questions helping the rebellion.

V.V Ganeshananthan finds a way to navigate a story of greys whilst keeping her characters grounded and complex. Set during the early years of Sri Lanka’s three-decade civil war, based on the historical record, this is a sweeping, emotional novel that you truly will never forget. Nearly all the men and boys in Sashi's life join the Tamil Tigers and pain and loss become her only constants. The writing of this historical fiction is beautiful but it doesn’t shy away from painting a realistic picture of the horrors of history.Many thanks to the author, Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this exceptionally well-written novel.

The characters had to choose between staying with their family, or joining forces with those who they felt would make a better future for their families. Certainly there are other great pieces of historical fiction that get this, but the majority do not.

You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. As she bears witness to the politics, the violence, and the activism of the 1980s she eventually embarks on exposing the true plight of civilians caught in the crossfire between the warring factions of the Sinhalese government, Tamil militants and the Indian peacekeeping forces through the written word with the help of one of her professors taking risks that could endanger her life and those of her associates. Set during the early years of Sri Lanka's three-decade civil war, Brotherless Night is a heartrending portrait of one woman's moral journey and a testament to both the enduring impact of war and the bonds of home.