Editorial - Legend of Karunatilake’s Chinaman

13 June 2012 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Good books are hard to come by.
Perhaps that is why Shahan Karunatilake’s feat of winning the Commonwealth Writer’s Award is a true reason to rejoice over as a nation. In a country where English is a second language and the readership of English Literature is not very many, Karunatilke’s achievement has set new standards for those who are willing to follow his footsteps.

Up until now, the highest feat ever reached by a Sri Lankan in the field of literature was the award of the Booker prize won by Michael Ondajee for his book ‘The English Patient.’ Karunatilake has equalled the grounds by writing a book that is not only as rich as the former but also contains more elements of Sri Lankan identity.
No doubt, breaking the mould would not have been easy for him; specially when the readers expect the writer to twist the same plot and move the same set of characters to produce something out of the mundane mixture. Karunatilake with his fascinating craftsmanship, takes the reader out of his/her comfort zone and creates the impression that some books do come with strange covers and queer characters.

It takes courage to go beyond the set formula and introduce characters that are both mysterious and not physically handsome. Perhaps his humour would not be found tolerable by some readers. Karunatilake’s specialty is that he does not try to over-impress the reader. He relates his story and it is up to the reader to like it or hate it.
In a country where anyone who can afford to self-publish loose manuscripts and proclaim themselves as writers, Karunatilake is a shining example as to what an ideal writer should be. His journey has been slow. He insists on thorough research before dipping his pen into a tale. His snail-pace might not be approved by the readers who are eager to read his next book. However, these long intervals make sure that every word falls into the ideal place in the story.

A good book always reminds one that life is worth living. The same is true with The Chinaman, which not only provides entertainment in plenty, but also a lot of insight to the way cricket has blended in with the island life.

The question as to whether Pradeep Mathew was entirely fictional or not, does not matter much. Readers have already made him a living person and the Commonwealth writer’s prize has only seconded the former’s choice.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Editorial - Legend of Karunatilake’s Chinaman

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

New Visa procedure implemented

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

TODAY'S HEADLINES

United States and SL Navy collaborate in CARAT 2024 exercise in Trincomalee

Upcountry estate workers stage a token strike

People have already selected Ranil for Presidency: Prasanna

Construction work for India-funded 10,000 housing units commenced

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations