Cereus Blooms at Night

Everyone assumes that Mala Ramchandin, an elderly woman living in Paradise, a village on a fictional Caribbean island, is crazy. Mala is the prime suspect in her father's murder, but is considered unfit to stand trial. Her story is told by the nurse caring for her, a young man named Tyler who feels like an outsider himself because of being gay. What unfolds is a lyrical, deftly crafted tale of love, violence and family secrets.

• Shani Mootoo on chocolate, house chores and cryptic notes

Cereus Blooms at Nightwas a finalist for the 1997 Giller Prize.

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