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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Short Stories / Memoir / Sri Lankan Literature

Book Review:
Of Salt and Sand: Tales of old Hambantota is a charming and delightful collection of stories from Pierangeli Andrado, a Sri Lankan-born writer who returned to her ancestral home in Hambantota after decades abroad. This book is a loving tribute to the town of her childhood, capturing its people, its quirks, and its spirit.

The stories are filled with intriguing anecdotes and personal connections, offering readers a window into the life of old Hambantota. Andrado's humorous style, praised by Gratiaen Award winner Sakuntala Sachithanandan, ensures that the book is a ''jolly good read.'' The tales are both funny and poignant, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Dr. Vimala Ganeshananthan, author of Yaal Players, describes the stories as ''delightful and funny,'' and they live up to that description. The characters are vividly drawn, and the author's affection for her hometown shines through on every page.

This book is recommended for anyone interested in Sri Lankan stories, memoirs, or tales of small-town life. It is a warm and engaging read that will leave you smiling.