Tab Article

Genre: Short Stories, Sri Lankan Literature, Literary Fiction, Translated Works.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Book Review:
''Martin Wickramasinghe: Selected Short Stories'' is a vital literary bridge, offering English-language readers access to the works of Sri Lanka's most revered author. This collection, skillfully translated by Ranga Wickramasinghe, showcases the depth and breadth of Martin Wickramasinghe's storytelling genius. The stories delve into universal themes—love, bondage, money, family, and social change—through the specific lens of Sri Lankan, particularly rural, life. Wickramasinghe's prose is celebrated for its psychological insight, vivid portrayal of local customs, and profound humanity. As noted in the endorsement by Professor David Jackson, Wickramasinghe belongs to the global tradition of writers like Faulkner who modernized their national literature by rooting it deeply in local reality and vernacular expression. This award-winning (State Literary Award 2007) collection is an essential read for anyone interested in world literature, postcolonial writing, and the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka.