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Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Literary Anthology / Short Stories / Poetry

Book Review:
The Penguin New Writing in Sri Lanka is a landmark anthology that showcases the extraordinary creative talent of contemporary Sri Lankan writers. Edited by Professor D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke, this Penguin Original brings together the finest verse and prose from Sri Lanka's three main literary traditions—English, Sinhalese, and Tamil.

The anthology is a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives. It includes stories by Godfrey Gunatillake, Punyakante Wijenaike, and James Goonewardene, whose narratives explore the complexities of Sri Lankan life—marriage, village life, cultural clashes, and the battle against outsiders. The poetry section features powerful works by Jean Arasanayagam, whose ''A Country at War'' mourns ethnic violence, and Anne Ranasinghe, whose experiences as a Holocaust survivor inform her chilling reflections on contemporary violence. Young Tamil poet M.A. Nuhman and others address issues of class, poverty, caste, and pseudo-sophistication.

The anthology is representative and enjoyable, offering readers a window into the island's diverse cultural landscape. The cover painting by George Keyt, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated artists, adds to the book's aesthetic appeal.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in Sri Lankan literature, South Asian writing, or the intersections of culture, politics, and creativity.