Book Review:
Collection of short stories
‘Wedding Gifts and Other Presents’
Author: Asitha Ameresekera
Publisher: PH Books
So you’ve been looking for that ideal wedding present in the form of
a book to present to that lovey-dovey couple on their wedding day and
you’re literally stumped. Never fear, Asitha is here. So if you’re
wondering who on earth Asitha Ameresekera is, you’re really not reading
up too much.
The book, ‘Wedding Gifts and Other Presents’ is really a must-have on
your shelf even though it might look like we’re making an effort to get
you to buy the book. Ladies and gentlemen, the writer is really a BAFTA
(British Academy of Film and Television Arts) award winner (for a short
film) and I’d better not rub it in or else Asitha might actually blush.
Asitha wrote the book of a collection of short stories dedicated for his
friends on their memorable occasions which was inspired by small
character traits they possess.
The motto of PH Books - Asitha’s publisher - rings true when they
mean that they’d only like to publish ‘writers whose works are
innovative and challenging, vital and vibrant’.
This is true when one reads the book because it is undeniably
humourous, fascinatingly furious and unquestionably thought-provoking.
One will be impelled to wonder how strange certain characters are
especially when you come in contact with them.
‘Litmus Test’ deals with a father’s match making experience for his
eligible daughter but with the finding an infallible groom who really
knows his Anglais or English rather.
The reader also tries to match make in their mind but with the
formidable task of thinking which one of Rajasingha’s English students
will get his daughter’s hand but one thinks familiarity often breeds
contempt and an unfamiliar individual (some student’s brother) whose
English is near-perfect really catches the teacher’s eye.
‘Shame of the Pig’ is a quirky romance story where a renowned baker
actually goes to the extent of adopting his wife’s impeccable table
manners after marriage (please note sarcasm here).
‘Lecher’ is a story you have to read and understand for yourself that
deals with beauty and most importantly, smiling.
‘Sonnet Story’ is a bard’s story for overcoming writer’s block by
confronting his wife’s lovers. ‘Drum’ deals with the nice story of Nico
about his true roots and his discovering his mother. It also revolves
around his talent for drumming that ignites a new passion within him.
An especially funny very short story is how Medusa would feel and
what she would do in her bathroom hence ‘Medusa’s Bathroom’. It is
brilliant in trying to capture detail though not sure if Medusa would
actually do the things as described in the story.
‘Someplace, Montana’ is the marriage tale of Tobias and Winnie and
how they can’t have children but how they treat potential candidates for
the post from long lost relatives. ‘Stoned Angels’ is a story about a
man called Keat’s love for an injured bird.
‘A Little Rest’ tells of a waiting man while ‘The Artist’ shows how
beautiful an artist’s love for her soldier husband, ‘Song & Dance’ is
about a dancing gypsy girl and ‘A Dog’s Tale’ is about a dog’s
perspective on important matters. All these stories offer a sense of
familiarity which means that it is instrumental to think you know these
people but in fact, you’re still trying to understand them.
It might also make sense when you try to match the individuals in the
book to an individual close to you. However, then that would mean that
you would have to write the book.
Asitha’s book definitely inspires and conspires you to think beyond
qualities of people and give them a different characteristic with which
to spice the emotions. Whatever it is, I’d advise you to read the book
to find out for yourself what people are like. Especially in a BAFTA
award winner’s world…
Nilma Dole
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