“Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew” by Shehan Karunatilaka tells the story of a washed-up sports journalist named W.G. Karunasena, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about a mysterious Sri Lankan cricketer, Pradeep Mathew.
The novel blends cricket, friendship, and loss as Karunasena reflects on his life and the country’s post-independence history, while chasing the story of a player who seems almost too good to be true.
It’s full of humor and paints a vivid picture of Sri Lanka through the lens of one man’s relentless search.
Michael Ondaatje’s “Anil’s Ghost” follows Anil Tissera, a forensic anthropologist who returns to Sri Lanka during its civil war to investigate political murders. She teams up with Sarath, an archaeologist, to uncover the truth behind a mysterious skeleton found in a war zone.
As they dig deeper into the country’s recent violence, they confront hidden truths about their homeland and its people. The story intertwines personal histories with the struggles of a nation torn apart by conflict.
The book “Funny Boy” by Shyam Selvadurai tells the story of Arjie, a young boy growing up in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 80s.
As he navigates his identity and his place within a conservative society, the tension within his family mirrors the growing ethnic conflict between Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
Through his eyes, readers witness moments of innocence, self-discovery, and the impact of a country on the brink of violence.
“A Passage North” by Anuk Arudpragasam follows Krishan, a young man living in Colombo, as he travels to the northern part of Sri Lanka for the funeral of his grandmother’s caretaker.
The story reflects on the aftermath of the civil war, exploring loss and the scars it leaves behind. As Krishan takes this journey, he recalls his relationships, the caretaker’s struggles, and his former love.
The novel moves between reflections on personal and collective grief, showing how the past lingers in everyday life.
“The Village in the Jungle” by Leonard Woolf tells the story of a poor family living in a remote Sri Lankan village. The book focuses on Silindu, a hunter, and his twin daughters as they struggle against natural dangers and the harshness of human greed.
The jungle almost feels alive, pressing in on their lives and shaping their fates in an unforgiving way. It’s a vivid look at rural life, where poverty, superstition, and conflicts with others dominate daily existence.
Martin Wickremasinghe wrote “Gamperaliya,” a novel set in a rural Sri Lankan village. The story follows the lives of a traditional family as they face changes brought on by modernization.
At its heart is Nanda, a young woman whose love and duty are tested when societal pressures clash with personal desires. The book captures the transformation of village life and its impact on relationships.
Michelle de Kretser’s “The Hamilton Case” follows Sam Obeysekere, a lawyer from a wealthy Sri Lankan family, as he works on a murder trial that grabs the nation’s attention.
Set in the early 20th century, the story weaves through colonial Ceylon, exploring Sam’s privileged upbringing and the impact of British rule. The trial has far-reaching consequences for his career and personal life, with secrets and betrayals unraveling along the way.
Anuk Arudpragasam’s “The Story of a Brief Marriage” is set during the Sri Lankan civil war and follows Dinesh, a young man caught in the chaos of a war zone. The story takes place over a single day, when Dinesh is asked to marry a woman named Ganga.
It explores their attempt to find a fleeting sense of connection and humanity in the midst of loss and despair. The writing captures the weight of their circumstances and the fragile moments they share within a collapsing world.
“Wave” by Sonali Deraniyagala is a memoir where the author recounts the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. She writes about losing her parents, husband, and two young sons in the disaster.
The book explores her personal journey through grief and memory as she reflects on her life before and after that day. It’s deeply personal, offering insight into the weight of loss and the enduring love she feels for her family.
Digby George Gerahty wrote “Elephant Walk,” a story about a British colonial estate owner in Sri Lanka and his young wife who moves there from England.
The novel explores the tensions between the European settlers and the local culture, as well as the challenges faced in the wild and untamed environment.
The title refers to the estate, which had been built on an ancient elephant path, creating a constant clash between nature and human ambition.
The novel “Kaliyugaya” by Martin Wickremasinghe continues the story of Nanda and Piyal, characters first introduced in “Gamperaliya.” The book explores their lives after marriage, as they move to the city and face changes in their personal and social lives.
It shows the strain modernity places on traditional values and how their relationship evolves in the face of these pressures.
V.V. Ganeshananthan’s “Love Marriage” tells the story of a young Sri Lankan woman, tracing her family’s past and the impact of their decisions during the civil war. The narrative moves between the girl’s personal life in America and her parents’ arranged marriage in Sri Lanka.
Through her discoveries, the book portrays the weight of tradition, the consequences of war, and the complexity of belonging to two worlds.
Colin De Silva’s “The Winds of Sinhala” takes readers to ancient Sri Lanka during the time of King Vijaya, who is believed to be the island’s first king. The story follows Prince Vijaya as he leaves his homeland, seeking new beginnings.
It paints a vivid picture of his journey, his struggles to gain power, and the challenges of uniting a diverse land with unique traditions. The novel mixes legend with history, offering a glimpse into the origins of Sri Lanka’s early civilization.
“Acts of Faith” by Rajiva Wijesinha explores the personal and political turmoil in Sri Lanka during its civil war. The story follows a group of characters, including two childhood friends whose lives diverge as they navigate the conflict’s impact.
Their paths cross years later in unexpected ways, exposing how war shapes identity and relationships. The book offers glimpses of loyalty, betrayal, and the ways in which people cling to their beliefs.
Michelle de Kretser’s “The Life to Come” weaves together the lives of several characters across different places, including Sri Lanka. The story touches on exile, belonging, and the connections people make as they navigate their personal struggles.
One character, Christabel, is a Sri Lankan woman burdened by her aspirations and loneliness. Her life intertwines with others in subtle ways, revealing themes of missed opportunities and the weight of cultural expectations.
The novel “The Fountains of Paradise” by Arthur C. Clarke takes place on a fictionalized version of Sri Lanka, here called Taprobane.
It follows a visionary engineer named Vannevar Morgan as he works to build a space elevator, a monumental project that could revolutionize space travel.
The story weaves together Morgan’s modern-day challenges and the ancient history of the island, including legends of a king who once sought immortality.