Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Short Stories, Sri Lankan Literature, Contemporary Fiction, Social Commentary

Book Review :
''Lal Medawattegedara's 'Can You Hear me Running' is a compelling and insightful collection that firmly roots itself in the Sri Lankan experience while exploring universal human conditions. The stories are masterfully woven around characters from various walks of life—a soldier, a prisoner, a teacher—all metaphorically 'running' from their traumas, memories, or societal constraints. Medawattegedara's prose is deceptively simple; it is clear, direct, and powerfully evocative, allowing the emotional weight of each narrative to hit home without unnecessary ornamentation. The book succeeds as both engaging fiction and subtle social critique, examining issues like PTSD, poverty, and loss with profound empathy. It's a thought-provoking read that stays with you, highly recommended for lovers of literary short stories and those interested in modern South Asian narratives.''