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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Political Biography / Women's History

Book Review:
Kusuma: A Life in Left Politics is a fascinating and inspiring biography of Kusuma Gunawardena, a pioneering woman in Sri Lankan politics. Written by her daughter Lakmali Gunawardena, this book offers an intimate portrait of a woman who entered parliament at a pivotal moment in the country's history.

Kusuma Gunawardena's story is remarkable. She entered parliament in 1948, taking the place of her husband Philip Gunawardena, a leader of the LSSP, who had lost his civic rights. She served her electorate for twelve years and was known for her outspokenness and indefatigable drive to bring progress to underdeveloped areas. Her political career spanned three decades, and she lived through the nationalist wave that swept Sri Lankan politics in the pre-war and post-independence years.

The biography, written from a daughter's perspective, is both personal and historically informative. It sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of a woman in a male-dominated political arena, and it offers valuable insights into the broader political context of the time.

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Sri Lankan political history, women's studies, or inspiring biographies of remarkable women.