Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Historical Fiction / Postcolonial Fiction

Book Review:
Tamarind Sky is a compelling and deeply moving novel from Thelma Wheatley, a writer whose work has been praised for its passion and determination. Set against the backdrop of British colonialism in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and the multicultural landscape of Toronto, this novel explores themes of race, identity, prejudice, and the lingering shadows of empire.

The story follows Selena Jones, a young white British woman who marries Aidan Gilmor, a Eurasian immigrant from Sri Lanka. Her marriage draws her into the complex and often painful world of her Sri Lankan in-laws, particularly her irascible father-in-law, a former tea planter who cannot escape the ghosts of colonialism. As Selena navigates prejudice in pre-multicultural Toronto, she finds herself confronting the brutal realities of race and violence that continue to shape Sri Lanka.

Wheatley's writing is both honest and humorous, even as she tackles difficult subjects. She has been described as a writer of ''vibrant, passionate and deeply moving'' work, and Tamarind Sky lives up to that reputation. The novel offers a nuanced exploration of how colonialism affects individuals across generations, leaving them caught on the ''wrong side of history.''

This book is highly recommended for readers interested in postcolonial fiction, Sri Lankan history, and stories about migration, identity, and belonging.