Tab Article

Genre: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Sri Lankan Fiction, Political Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Book Review:
Build a Bridge is a poignant and thoughtful debut fiction collection by Gnana Moonesinghe, a writer who brings the insightful lens of a political scientist to the intimate canvas of the short story. This collection of five delicately crafted narratives is set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s decades of civil conflict and social turbulence.

Moonesinghe’s writing is noted for its clarity, empathy, and “clear-glass” style—unadorned yet powerful—that allows the emotional and psychological weight of her characters’ experiences to shine through. The stories explore themes of loss, trauma, resilience, and the fragile human connections that persist amid violence. As the title suggests, the work is ultimately hopeful, urging remembrance and reconciliation as steps toward ensuring past tragedies are not repeated.

Reviewers praise the book for its sensitive portrayal of a society in crisis, capturing “deep emotions with a rare empathy” and combining personal narratives with subtle intimations of larger historical forces. The prologue is singled out as particularly masterful, framing the tragic context of Sri Lanka’s recent history before delving into the individual lives shaped by it.

This collection is highly recommended for readers interested in postcolonial literature, Sri Lankan writing, or short fiction that engages meaningfully with politics and humanity. It’s a quiet but haunting work that, as one reviewer notes, “will leave its mark on the minds of its readers.” A compassionate and necessary literary contribution.