Review: The Island of a Thousand Mirrors
Nov 09 2012.
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Tragedy has its many faces; while love resonates beyond nations, culture and racial barriers. Starting from a 19th century bloodline; drawn across prairies and landscapes comes Nayomi Munaweera’s prolific debut novel, the Island of a Thousand Mirrors.
While the Sri Lankan civil war is at the heart of the equation the book addresses many hidden facets of life. The story is told largely from a perspective of a Sinhalese woman who emigrates as a teen amidst a tragedy-struck era leaving behind her beloved motherland.
From its roots, the author will transport you to a time which many Sri Lankans will gladly like to leave behind. With a lingering sadness she weaves the story of Yashodara, a Sinhalese girl from a comfortable family in Colombo to Saraswathi, a Tamil girl stricken with poverty living in the northern regions of the island.
Needless to say that although Saraswathi’s entrance in to the storyline is relatively brisk and abrupt; the plot fittingly echoes the brutality and the extent of the damage we have caused those whom we are too ashamed to call our own. Yashodara’s heroic instincts, the role she plays throughout the novel spanning for decades as a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother is a heartfelt portrayal of a Sri Lankan woman. Consequently; when Saraswathi whose dreams are just as real are snatched away from her in a matter of seconds, the plot turns a tide and draws you in to its incomprehensible conclusion.
Sri Lankans will comfortably relate to the novel as it is a clear reflection of what we hold so dear, and yet; take for granted without a moment to spare; “the striated lands of the North stretching in to the sea, the villages on bicycles, gleaming Colombo towers, the serene faced Buddha statutes, the rock fortress of Sigiriya” as lyrically composed by the writer will leave you with a tinge of nostalgia, particularly if you happen to be away from the country.
Nayomi Munaweera’s fiercely told debut; a story of family, of love and loss and the repertoire of destruction we have inflicted on our own soil will remain with you long after you are done.
Reviewed by Heshani Jayawickrama
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