Set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's turbulent history, the novel follows the journey of a washed-up sports journalist, W.G. Karunasena, who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about a forgotten cricketing genius, Pradeep Mathew. As Karunasena delves deeper into Mathew's enigmatic life, he confronts his own personal demons, grapples with the complexities of his country's politics, and reflects on the nature of heroism and failure. The narrative weaves together humor, tragedy, and the rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka, offering a poignant exploration of identity, legacy, and the power of storytelling.
The 9115th greatest book of all time
Shehan Karunatilaka lives and works in Singapore. He has written advertisements, rock songs, travel stories, and bass lines. This is his first novel.
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