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Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Natural History / Archaeology / Travelogue

Book Review:
Jungle Tide is a timeless classic and a book of infinite charm from John Still, a writer whose love for Sri Lanka is evident on every page. First published in 1930, this book offers readers an unparalleled description of the jungles of Sri Lanka, their inhabitants, and the buried cities that lie hidden within them.

Still's experiences as a tea planter and later as an assistant in the Archaeological Department gave him unique access to the landscapes and ruins of the Dry Zone. His writing is both knowledgeable and evocative, capturing the beauty and mystery of the jungle while also documenting its history. The book describes a Sri Lanka that has long since disappeared—a time when the jungle was more extensive and the ruins less disturbed.

What makes this book particularly compelling is Still's deep affection for the country. Despite constant illness and repeated bouts of malaria, he returned to Sri Lanka and served until 1926. His writing is a testament to the power of place and the enduring allure of the island.

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history, natural history, archaeology, or travel writing. It is a treasure of Sri Lankan literature.