Super Short Summary

In Cereus Blooms at Night, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Lantanacamara, nurse Tyler cares for elderly, nonverbal Mala Ramchandin at the Paradise Alms House, uncovering her tragic history of abuse, abandonment, and survival. Their friendship deepens as Tyler learns about Mala's troubled past with her abusive father and her connection to Tyler's schoolmate Ambrose and his transgender son, Otoh. The plot explores generational trauma and sexual identity. Content includes depictions of sexual abuse, incest, and family violence.