Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Cultural Studies / Ethnic Studies / Sri Lankan Studies

Book Review:
Tuan M. Zameer Careem's ''Persaudaraan: Malay Life in Sri Lanka'' is a labor of love that fills a significant gap in the literature on Sri Lanka's ethnic communities. The word ''Persaudaraan'' means ''brotherhood'' in Malay, and this book is indeed an act of brotherhood—a tribute to the author's community and a gift to all who seek to understand the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan society.

The Sri Lankan Malay community has a long and distinctive history, dating back to the Dutch and British colonial periods when soldiers and exiles from the Malay Archipelago were brought to the island. Over centuries, they have maintained their Islamic faith and many aspects of their culture while becoming an integral part of Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic society. This book documents that story.

Careem's approach is comprehensive. He covers the history of the community, its language and literature, its customs and traditions, its cuisine, its music and dance, and its notable figures. The book is richly illustrated, bringing the culture to life for readers. The second, revised and enlarged edition updates and expands the first, incorporating new research and perspectives.

The commendation from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the back cover speaks to the book's significance: ''Not only does the book include exceptional research and well documented information, but with an updated and a revised edition, it presents a versatile perspective on Ceylon Malays.'' This endorsement from the highest levels of government suggests the book's importance for national understanding.

For members of the Malay community, this book is a珍贵 record of their heritage. For other Sri Lankans, it offers a window into the life of a community that may be less familiar. For scholars of ethnicity and diaspora, it provides a detailed case study of how a minority community maintains its identity while integrating into a larger society. And for general readers, it is simply a fascinating story, well told.

The book is published by S. Godage & Brothers, one of Sri Lanka's leading publishers of scholarly and cultural works. The production quality is high, with an attractive cover design by the author himself.