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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Short Stories / Poetry / Sri Lankan Literature / Anthology

Book Review:
Waves is a rich and diverse collection that brings together the creative voices of the Wadiya Group, a collective of Sri Lankan writers committed to the art of storytelling and poetry. Published in 2017, this anthology showcases the range of talent within the group, offering readers a glimpse into contemporary Sri Lankan literature in English.

The collection includes works by several notable writers. Asgar Hussein's ''A Portrait of War'' opens the anthology with a powerful poetic meditation on conflict. Shireen Senadheera contributes both prose and poetry, including the evocative ''A Whiff of Unawatuna'' and several lyrical poems. Ohita Afesumi's ''Race Against Time'' and accompanying poems explore themes of urgency and identity. Punyakante Wijeynaike, an established voice in Sri Lankan poetry, offers ''The Stairway'' and ''To A Great-Grandson.'' Himangi Jayasundere contributes three poems, including ''The Legend of Lovinia,'' while Premini Amerasinghe, Jayanthi Kathriaratchi, and Faith Ratnayake round out the collection with their distinctive voices.

What makes this anthology valuable is its representation of the vibrant literary community in Sri Lanka. The Wadiya Group has created a space for writers to share their work, and this collection represents the fruits of their collective effort. The themes range from personal reflection to social commentary, from love and loss to war and resilience.

For readers interested in contemporary Sri Lankan writing, Waves offers a rewarding introduction to a group of talented authors. It is a testament to the power of creative communities and the enduring importance of literature.