Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Translated Fiction, Sri Lankan Literature, Literary Fiction

Book Review:
''Lazarus: A Masterful Translation of a Sri Lankan Classic''

Henry Jayasena's ''Lazarus,'' brought to English readers by the skilled translator Vijita Fernando, is a poignant and powerful exploration of isolation, loss, and the complexities of human connection. This is not merely a translation; it is a careful and sensitive recreation of a classic Sinhala novel for a wider audience.

The novel delves into the depths of a childhood marked by loneliness and abandonment, portraying it with a terseness that is both stark and deeply moving. As the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence and adulthood, the narrative frankly and perceptively examines the stirrings of sexuality and the often-painful nature of relationships. Jayasena has a remarkable ability to tread the ''sad borderline between ludicrousness and loneliness'' with compassion and sensitivity, while also capturing moments of intense sensuous vitality.

As Dr. Lakshmi de Silva notes in her praise, translator Vijita Fernando gives ''full value'' to the original text. Her award-winning skill ensures that the vivid realism of time and place, the nuanced characterizations, and the emotional depth of Jayasena's prose are all faithfully and beautifully rendered in English.

''Lazarus'' is a testament to the richness of Sri Lankan literature and the power of translation to bridge cultures. It is an absorbing and unforgettable read that will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with feelings of otherness, longing, or the search for meaning in a complex world. A true gem of translated fiction.