Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Fiction

Book Review:
To Follow the Sun is a beautifully crafted novel from the pen of Punyakante Wijenaike, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated literary figures. With a career spanning decades and numerous awards to her name—including the prestigious Kala Suri award and the Michael Ondaatje Prize—Wijenaike brings a wealth of experience and insight to this work.

The novel showcases her signature style: a deep empathy for her characters and a keen eye for the social and cultural dynamics of Sri Lankan life. While her roots are in the city of Colombo, her writing often finds its truest expression in the countryside, and this novel is no exception. She captures the nuances of rural life, the tensions between tradition and change, and the quiet struggles of ordinary people with remarkable sensitivity.

Wijenaike's prose is elegant and understated, allowing the emotional depth of her stories to shine through without unnecessary ornamentation. Her ability to create memorable characters and evoke a strong sense of place is reminiscent of the great literary traditions of South Asia.

To Follow the Sun is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction, particularly those interested in Sri Lankan literature. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and a fine addition to Wijenaike's distinguished body of work.