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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Fiction / Historical Fiction

Book Review:
It's not in the Stars... is a stunning and deeply moving novel that has rightfully earned its place as a co-winner of the Gratiaen Prize. Rizvina Morseth de Alwis has crafted a story that is both intimate and epic, weaving together the personal lives of three friends with the tumultuous history of Sri Lanka during the 1980s and 1990s.

The novel's strength lies in its richly developed characters. Minu, Sam, and Pradeep are not mere symbols; they are fully realized individuals whose struggles with love, identity, family expectations, and self-discovery resonate deeply. The author handles the complex themes of ethnic identity, particularly through Pradeep's character, with sensitivity and nuance, avoiding sentimentality while still capturing the human cost of political violence.

One of the book's greatest achievements is how it portrays the Malay community and middle-class life in Sri Lanka with unflinching honesty. The narrative seamlessly moves between Sri Lanka and abroad, reflecting the diasporic realities of many Sri Lankans. The Judges' Citation rightly praises the novel for ''the triumph of human values over what may be considered the vicissitudes of life and history.''

This is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary Sri Lankan literature. De Alwis is a voice to watch, and this novel is a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.