Mystique rules the plot
“Outside was a battlefield!…believe me or not…animals! Yes! Animals were fighting!”, reads Chamasha’s novel; The Swan Pendant, an imaginative portrayal of a mystifying story woven around the island named Carpethia and its buried inscrutability.
Young Chamasha Kapuruge, 12, launched her first novel, The Swan Pendant, on September 23 at the Colombo International Book Fair- 2013, BMICH. Chamasha, a student of Asian International School is the only daughter of specialist doctor parents and has a brother who, according to Chamasha, “has never read my book”.
The tale revolves around the adventures of Serena and Calix who, by accident find themselves lost in Carpethia which is no ordinary isle. Chamasha, in her inventiveness, makes the animals and trees of the island ‘talk’ in order to support the mystique which rules the plot. To a discerning reader, this novel is not only about adventure, mystery or chaos but is also written proof of Chamash’s creativity and talent. The way she handles the plot speaks volumes of her ability to blend her imaginations with creativity effectively.
The story touches on the themes of mystery, avarice for power, love, valour and the mindset of children who are forsaken by their parents. In fact, it provides a vivid explanation to the reader about the desertion of children, from the perspective of any abandoned child.
“She uses language beautifully and this book could be read by young and older readers alike,” says Sumithra Rahubaddha describing the novel as appropriate for any reader, whatever the age. She with her ability to bring in turning points to unfold the mysteries entertains the readers Nishadi Disanayake, the ‘Samudura’ editor as she said at the book launch, “I enjoyed it immensely. I was amazed how a 12-year-old girl could come up with such imagination.”