This thought-provoking novel tells the story of Sunil, a Sri Lankan adolescent. It traces his development from a poverty-stricken boy to the successful founder of a worldwide anti-war campaign to save humanity from the path of death and destruction. The book is written from the standpoint of an older Sunil who reviews his years as a schoolboy and student.
A keen observer of society, Sunil experiences quite early in life the barriers that separate man from his fellow men – skin colour, money, education and occupation. Sunil is dark complexioned and poor. His mother works as a cleaner. Soon he sees the meaninglessness of these barriers, which do not result in good behaviour and personal fulfillment.
Although his mother is poor, illiterate and comes from the wrong side of the fence, Sunil soon realizes that she has a nobler mind than many a so-called educated woman. This realization is much more than simple filial loyalty. Sunil’s mother is one of the most amiable characters in this novel, being selfless, charmingly naïve and content with her lot.
When Sunil turns 14, his parents disclose to him that he was a foundling who was picked up from a heap of garbage. This revelation however does not affect the emotional bond between him and the couple who raised him.
The most crucial event in Sunil’s life is the tragic death of his parents in a terrorist bomb attack. Sunil is suddenly homeless and destitute. He is thrown on the pavement in Kandy town, where he is picked up by Kelaart, a wealthy eccentric, gay, Burgher gentleman. He becomes Sunil’s protector and friend. They share a house for a number of years without Sunil ever compromising himself. The relationship between these two, sometimes smooth, sometimes stormy, forms the most interesting part of this book. Eventually, the crisis comes when Kelaart starts making overtures to him and even proposes marriage. Sunil leaves, without so much as saying goodbye to his benefactor.
This is no ordinary rags to riches story, but a story with a deep philosophical theme which analyses human behaviour from different perspectives. The characters in the book are from different social levels with different aspirations. Kelaart, the woman who packed her baby in a plastic bag and left him on a garbage heap, the rowdy student gang are never condemned. Even among them are those with hearts of gold
This is a tale simply told, sometimes giving the impression, that it is too good to be true. But at the end of the book, it’s a rich experience - a wholesome treat for anybody searching for the truth. It is soon to be translated into Sinhala. |
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