Sensitive exploration of a conflicted soul
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The Lyrebird’s Cry is Sri Lankan Australian writer, Samantha Sirimanne Hyde’s debut. An alumna of the University of Kelaniya and Sydney’s Macquarie University, Sirimanne Hyde’s free verse, haiku, tanka and other poetic forms and short fiction have appeared in Australian and overseas publications.
Inspired by a true story, the book explores questions about love, sexuality, gender, marriage, identity and migration. It also probes the main character, Jagath Rajasinghe’s self-acceptance issues with understanding and compassion.
The title is metaphoric for like the Australian lyrebird who imitates its surrounding sounds, Jagath from a young age has been trying to be what his parents want him to be.
Sensitively unfolding the complicated relationships between Jagath and his father Senarath, mother Hiranthi and wife Sepalika, the parents’ reckless refusal to acknowledge that their son is gay drives them to arrange a marriage, totally ignoring the cost to his personal well-being.
On holiday in Sri Lanka, Jagath’s actions will affect not only himself but also his long-term love, Ryan back in Australia and of course, Sepalika. Will he toe the line? Or is he capable of standing up to his overbearing parents? How free are any of us when we make decisions seems the philosophical point in question.
Author Samantha Sirimanne Hyde
There is a leitmotif of Buddhist wisdom throughout the story, conveying helpful approaches to the story’s characters and to the reader alike. Each chapter starts with a verse from the Dhammapada pertinent to that section of the story.
Along Jagath’s tortured journey, he connects with a Buddhist monk who helps him understand that he should live his life the way he was born, explaining that we are not all “wired’’ in the same manner where our sexual identities are concerned. As he explains: “…Not accepting the situation you’re in. Not accepting the nature of things. This in the end leads to disappointment and depression.’’
Well paced, the novel is a page turner. While the events that unfold are not always in chronological order, the reader is always sure where the narrative happens in time and place.
The physical and cultural milieu of Sri Lanka is brought out in vibrant descriptions. The writer does not hold back on turning the spotlight on cultural hypocrisy, bigotry and the ferocious power dynamics that exist within some family structures.
The Lyrebird’s Cry would benefit from the backing of a local publishing house, and perhaps a Sinhala translation. Who knows, it would also do well on the large screen.
| The Lyrebird’s Cry By Samantha Sirimanne Hyde Reviewed by Kumar de Silva | |
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