t's been almost a week since I've finished BROTHERLESS NIGHT by V.V. Ganeshananthan, and yet I still don't have my thoughts formulated enough to write an in-depth review. I am still completely wrecked by this book.

This book is a masterpiece. Upon reflection, I felt as though before reading this that I was in need of a glass of water to satiate my thirst. BROTHERLESS NIGHT was that needed glass of water. I was completely taken aback and all consumed by this book in a way that I wasn't expecting.

Ganeshananthan brings to life the story of Sashi, a 16 year old in 1981 living in Jaffna, Sri Lanka during the beginning of the civil war. BROTHERLESS NIGHT follows her as the civil war impacts every single aspect of her family and the choices that she makes.

My heart was ripped open and sewn back together multiple times during this read, and I cried hard during most of it as well. Even as I write this review I'm starting to get teary-eyed. That is a testament to how good this book is!

I love getting to read books with incredible women at the center of the story. Sashi is such a fierce and caring person, with her family in her heart and a sense of doing the right thing. If you read this book, you'll have such a spot in your heart for Sashi.

This is a heavy book, and one should totally be in the right headspace before reading this. But, I can’t recommend this book enough! BROTHERLESS NIGHT could have easily made some award lists and I’m sad that it hasn’t because this book needs to be recognized more!

BROTHERLESS NIGHT is a devastating and heartbreaking story. There is an overwhelming amount of sadness, loss and trauma that I almost can’t believe this story is rooted in truth, by some incredible research done by Ganeshananthan.

Do yourself a favor, and add BROTHERLESS NIGHT to your TBR. I promise you'll find the story as captivating as I did.