Mansions of the Moon by Shyam Selvadurai

In this sweeping story, at once epic and startlingly intimate, Shyam Selvadurai introduces us to Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as the Buddha, a promising and politically astute young man settling into his life as a newlywed to Yasodhara, a young woman of great intelligence and spirit. The novel traces their early life together, and then the unthinkable turmoil as Siddhartha's spiritual calling takes over and their partnership slowly, inexorably crumbles. How does a woman live in ancient India if herhusband abandons her?

Even a well-born woman with a revered husband? And what path might she take towards enlightenment herself? Selvadurai examines these questions with empathy and insight, creating a rich portrait of a singular marriage, and of the woman who until now has been a shadow in the historical record.Mansions of the Moonis a literary event, and a remarkable moment in an esteemed author's extraordinary career.(From Penguin Random House Canada)

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Shyam Selvaduraiis an award-winning Sri Lankan Canadian novelist. His books includeFunny Boy,which won the 1995 Books in Canada First Novel Award, now known as the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, and which was adapted into a film by Indian Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, available on CBC Gem. His other books includeThe Hungry Ghostsand Swimming in the Monsoon Sea.

Interviews with Shyam Selvadurai

Shyam Selvadurai says hes honoured by Funny Boy debate

4 years ago

Duration 1:14

Funny Boy author and screenwriter Shyam Selvadurai says hes not bothered by the passionate debate around the movie he just wants people to see it.

Why I Write: Shyam Selvadurai

6 years ago

Duration 2:33

In this CBC Books video series, author Shyam Selvadurai speaks about the need for authentic and diverse perspectives in Canadian literature.

The Next Chapter17:25Is "write what you know" the best advice? (Literary Smackdown - Part 7)

Canada Writes and The Next Chapter present the seventh great literary smackdown... and this time the gloves come off. "Write what you know" is probably the most widely touted maxim among writers, but is it always the best advice? Shyam Selvadurai and Robert Hough have very different thoughts on that. In this literary smackdown, they debate the benefits and the pitfalls of writing what you know, and which approach leads to the richest fiction.

Writers and Company52:31Love in the Afternoon panel (2001)

Eleanor speaks with six writers on stage at the International Literary Arts Festival in Victoria: Ian McEwan, A.L. Kennedy, Clare Boylan, Rosemary Sullivan, Shyam Selvadurai and Esta Spalding.

Other books by Shyam Selvadurai