Amid books
Sometimes it is very difficult to write lengthy reviews of books
tailoring to the limited space available in a column such as this. The
most we can do is briefly introduce books and add a personal opinion of
the books chosen hoping it would receive the attention of a discerning
reader.
This week we shall look at a few books in English.
P G Punchihewa. Apart from his other credentials he is also an
award-winning writer for children. The fourth in a series of children’s
story books is Mahi Pancha and Ali Pancha. According to the author, the
book is about ‘an inquisitive and mischievous but an intelligent little
fly Mahi Pancha’.
Appropriately illustrated by another veteran in this genre of
writing, Sybil Wettasinghe, this easily readable imaginative story for
the inquisitive minds of the young people (say under 12 years in Lanka
who want to learn English) this book would even kindle the spirit of
retiring senior citizens.
Emeritus Prof D C R A Goonetileke is one of the internationally known
Lankan academic and an author of several books on English literature and
compiler of anthologies of Sri Lankan English Literature.
In Volume two of his book, Kaleidoscope, he has chosen a few Lankan
writers in English for the world. But there are more than a score of
talented writers who remain unheard and unsung who should be recognized.
But it may be that the author maintains his rigorous standards at the
expense of ignoring others who have contributed much to Lankan (English,
Sinhala and Tamil) literature.
According to the publishers (Vijitha Yapa), ‘the anthology offers the
reader many-sided enjoyment as well as imparts a fresh awareness of Sri
Lanka and its Literature in English’. The book includes fiction, poetry,
drama and non-fiction. To know whose writing has caught the eye of the
author, one should read the book which occupies 264 pages.
I appreciate the author’s willingness to devote seven pages to write
brief notes on the writers concerned. This is useful to readers who are
search of an author.
Ayathurai Santhan is strikingly a different writer in Tamil who of
recent times has emerged as a notable writer in English in this country.
His novel, The Whirlwind, has received critical acclaims from discerning
critics. The book is published in India.
The publishers say that the book ‘is a piece of fiction and a
whirlpool of events far beyond anyone’s control, making them all
victims’. To understand the people in the north and their real agonies
without any pre-conceived notions, one should read this book written in
a simple but effective style. A legendary figure in Lankan literature,
mainly in Sinhala (who is also a scholar in Sanskrit), is Lankan born
Canadian writer Siri Gunasinghe. One of his famous books in Sinhala is
Hevanella.
The publishers (Vijitha Yapa) say that the book ‘explores the
conflicts of values that characterize modern Sri Lankan society. The use
of the stream of consciousness technique of narration and symbolism (eg
shadows) brings to life with powerful impact socio-cultural and
psychological realities that transcend time and space.”
The late A J Gunawardene and Prof Wimal Dissanaike had written
critical comments in English on the novel. I am so happy to read the
excellent translation of the book under the title ‘Shadows’. The
translator is Siri Gunasinghe’s dear spouse Hemamali Gunasinghe who is a
linguist, educator and award-winning translator.
Readers in English will enjoy this work.
Dr Tissa Kappagoda has edited an interesting book written by Dr
Philip G Veerasingam called The Cry of the Devil Bird (Published by Bay
Owl). The book is a collection of personal experiences by the writer
that brings to the reader in English some aspects of the slice of
lifestyle in various parts of this island.
This is a book you can read at leisure and remain awe-struck or
reflect on the happenings in past decades.
Karen Roberts came to be known in Lanka at the Galle Literary
Festival held a few years back. She was there and was interviewed on the
stage by a popular Indian woman anchorwoman.
Her new book the Lament of the Dhobi Woman (published by Perera
Hussein Publishing House) is readable fiction in English. But to those
readers familiar with Sinhala and Thamil, the theme and story might
sound too commonplace. However, to those who are not familiar might find
the book new in local writing in English. The author lives abroad.
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