Tab Article

Ratings:★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: Short Stories, Humor, Autobiographical Fiction, Sri Lankan Literature

Book Review:
Carl Muller is best known for his Burgher trilogy, but ''A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery'' showcases another side of his talent: his gift for comic short fiction. This collection of nineteen stories is a riotous, irreverent, and utterly delightful romp through Sri Lankan life.

The title sets the tone. These are stories about the absurdities of everyday existence, the unexpected moments that make life worth living. Muller has an eye for the ridiculous and a gift for finding humor in the most unlikely places.

The collection opens with a story about Muller's days as a recruit in the Royal Ceylon Navy. The Queen of England is coming to visit, and the sailors decide to ''tip her a wink.'' The result is a hilarious tale of youthful mischief and its consequences.

The second story takes us back to Muller's childhood in Anuradhapura, where two visiting rat snakes turn out to be a railway linesman's grandparents. It's a classic Muller setup—the mundane and the absurd colliding in unexpected ways.

Other stories include adventures in the Navy, encounters with snakes of various sizes and lineages, graphic descriptions of jam-making factories, and hazardous days in the Gulf. Each story is a gem, perfectly formed and packed with humor.

Muller's prose is as lively as ever. He writes with a energy and irreverence that is uniquely his own. The dialogue crackles, the descriptions are vivid, and the humor is relentless. But beneath the laughter is a keen observation of human nature. Muller's caricatures highlight the follies and foibles of the human race, but they do so with affection rather than malice.

For fans of Muller, this collection is a treat—a chance to see a master of Sri Lankan English literature working in a different form. For newcomers, it's a wonderful introduction to his work—a book that will make you laugh out loud and leave you wanting more.

''A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery'' is a celebration of life in all its absurdity. It's funny, warm, and deeply human. Highly recommended for anyone who needs a good laugh.