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Literary Fiction· Malaysia

Evening Is the Whole Day

by Preeta Samarasan
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2008English
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About This Book

When Preeta Samarasan published Evening Is the Whole Day in 2008, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Set in Malaysia, Evening Is the Whole Day follows the unraveling of a wealthy Indian family. Preeta Samarasan's debut novel is noted for its lyrical prose and intricate narrative structure, capturing the nuances of family secrets, societal expectations, and the lingering effects of colonialism. The novel offers a rich exploration of personal and cultural identity against the backdrop of Malaysia's vibrant yet tumultuous history. Themes of family secrets, cultural identity, colonial legacy run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPreeta Samarasan
Published2008
Country of Origin🇲🇾 Malaysia
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780618874477
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇲🇾 Malaysia

This book is part of Malaysia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Malaysia →

Editorial Assessment

Preeta Samarasan published Evening Is the Whole Day in 2008, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Malaysia. The book's treatment of family secrets, cultural identity, colonial legacy, societal expectations accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to Evening Is the Whole Day for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of family secrets, cultural identity, colonial legacy, societal expectations is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Preeta Samarasan's role in the literature of Malaysia is well established. Evening Is the Whole Day can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20080
✍️
About the Author
Preeta Samarasan
Malaysia
View Author →

Preeta Samarasan is a Malaysia author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Evening Is the Whole Day about?

Set in Malaysia, Evening Is the Whole Day follows the unraveling of a wealthy Indian family. Preeta Samarasan's debut novel is noted for its lyrical prose and intricate narrative structure, capturing the nuances of family secrets, societal expectations, and the lingering effects of colonialism. The novel offers a rich exploration of personal and cultural identity against the backdrop of Malaysia's vibrant yet tumultuous history.

Who wrote Evening Is the Whole Day?

Evening Is the Whole Day was written by Preeta Samarasan, from Malaysia. First published in 2008.

What awards has Evening Is the Whole Day won?

Evening Is the Whole Day has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Evening Is the Whole Day worth reading?

Evening Is the Whole Day is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in family secrets, cultural identity, colonial legacy.

Where can I buy Evening Is the Whole Day?

You can buy Evening Is the Whole Day on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Evening Is the Whole Day?

Evening Is the Whole Day is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Evening Is the Whole Day from?

Evening Is the Whole Day originates from Malaysia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Malaysia on our country page.

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