Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Sri Lankan Literature, Award-Winning, Magical Realism, Social Commentary, Contemporary Fiction

Book Review :
''Playing Pillow Politics at MGK' is a triumph of contemporary Sri Lankan literature, rightfully earning the Gratiaen Prize. Lal Medawattegedara crafts a mesmerizing, multi-voiced narrative set in the fictional yet hauntingly familiar community around Maha Geeni Kanda. The story unfolds through the eyes of an 'invalid boy god' and a tapestry of villagers—a prophet, a printer, an electrician—whose lives are disrupted by mysterious earthslips. Medawattegedara masterfully blends realism with allegory and a touch of the mythical, creating a layered commentary on politics, environmental degradation, gossip ('pillow politics'), and the slippery nature of truth itself. The prose is inventive and captivating, shifting perspectives and styles to mirror the fractured reality it portrays. This is not a simple linear story; it's a challenging, immersive experience that demands and rewards the reader's attention. It solidifies Medawattegedara's place as a vital and innovative voice, capturing the complexities of Sri Lankan society with profound insight and literary brilliance. A must-read for anyone interested in world literature.''