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Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Sri Lankan History, Biography, Adventure

Book Review:
Christine Spittel Wilson's memoir is a gem of Sri Lankan autobiographical writing, offering a window into a vanished world of colonial and post-colonial Ceylon through the eyes of a remarkably spirited woman. As the daughter of Dr. R.L. Spittel—a legendary figure known for his medical service, jungle exploration, and documentation of the Veddah people—Christine had a front-row seat to an extraordinary life.

The narrative flows from her elite schooling in England to the turbulent pre-WWII period in Ceylon, her marriage to a Scottish planter, and her adventurous return to the island. The most compelling sections detail her time in the jungles with her father, where her ''Hudu hura'' (Sinhala term of endearment for her father) was greeted with joyous dances by his indigenous friends. Written with ''the skill and enthusiasm of a born story-teller,'' her prose is vivid, honest, and filled with love for her family and the island's wild landscapes.

This is more than a personal story; it is a valuable social history that captures the ethos of a specific segment of Sri Lankan society in the mid-20th century. It is an inspirational tale of adaptability, courage, and deep familial bonds. For readers interested in Sri Lanka's past, women's narratives, or simply a well-told life story brimming with adventure and heart, ''Christine: A Memoir'' is a delightful and enriching read.