Out of Sri Lanka | Book Review

 Review of the Book - Out of Sri Lanka - Tamil, Sinhala, and English Poetry from Sri Lanka and its Diaspora

• Title -  Out of Sri Lanka - Tamil, Sinhala, and English Poetry from Sri Lanka and its Diaspora
• Authors- Vidyan Ravinthiran , Seni Seneviratne, Shash Trevett
• Year published – 4 December 2023
• Publisher - Penguin Random House
• Pages - 424
• Genre – Anthology / Collection of Poetry
• Format - Paperback
• Buy book on Amazon

Sri Lanka has thrilled the foreign imagination as a land of infinite possibility. Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisers envisioned an island of gems and pearls, a stopping-point on the Silk Road; tourists today are sold a vision of golden beaches and swaying palm trees, delicious food and smiling locals. This favours the south of the island over the north rebuilt piecemeal after the end of the civil war in 2009, and erases a history of war crimes, illicit assassination of activists and journalists, subjugation of minorities, and a legacy of governmental corruption that has now led the country into economic and social crisis. 

This first ever anthology of Sri Lankan and diasporic poetry – many exiles refuse to identify as “Sri Lankan” – features over a hundred poets writing in English, or translated from Tamil and Sinhala. It brings to light a long-neglected national literature, and reshapes our understanding of migrational poetics and the poetics of atrocity. 

Poets long out of print appear beside exciting new talents; works written in the country converse with poetry from the UK, the US, Canada and Australia. Poems in traditional and in open forms, concrete poems, spoken word poems, and experimental post-lyric hybrids of poetry and prose, appear with an introduction explaining Sri Lanka’s history. 

There are poems here about love, art, nature – and others exploring critical events: the Marxist JVP insurrections of the 1970s and 80s, the 2004 tsunami and its aftermath, recent bombings linked with the demonisation of Muslim communities. The civil war between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers is a haunting and continual presence. 

A poetry of witness challenges those who would erase, rather than enquire into, the country’s troubled past. This anthology affirms the imperative to remember, whether this relates to folk practices suppressed by colonisers, or more recent events erased from the record by Sinhalese nationalists. Poetry Book Society Special Commendation.

Book #11 of 2024

Non-Fiction # 7

Rating -  5🌟

From the instant I started this anthology, I found myself drawn into a realm that feels both familiar and distant, all at once. Despite Sri Lanka's proximity and the numerous stories I've heard about the place, I never truly grasped the beauty of its literature until now.

The introduction offers a glimpse into recent uprisings and economic hardships before delving into the rich tapestry of Tamil, Sinhalese, and Anglophone poetry, reflecting themes of war, civil unrest, and eccentricity.

This anthology features both traditional and open forms of poetry, weaving together a mosaic of emotions and experiences. With contributions from over a hundred poets, it captures the essence of Sri Lanka's landscape and its people, exploring themes of love, nature, and the devastating impacts of war and natural disasters like tsunamis.

Each poem is preceded by a brief biography of the author and you can find the translator's notes/bio at the end of the book. Ranging from brief verses to lengthy compositions, each piece encapsulates the cultural essence and struggles of the land and its inhabitants.

The impact of the second poem in this book left me reeling with shock. After reading the note accompanying the poem's conclusion, I found myself unable to continue further. The anguish endured by Manamperi and Koneswari was unfathomable.

Some poems are by poets long out of print, offering fresh insights into the state of the nation, while others reflect recent events.

Even though we do not have access to the original Tamil or Sinhalese versions, I must say that the translators have breathed life into the English renditions, allowing readers to empathize with the pain, appreciate the landscapes described, and experience the spectrum of love and loss.

Each poem, regardless of its original language, resonates with heartfelt emotion, portraying the raw and poignant scenes intended by the poets.

This anthology is a must-read, not only for its captivating content but also for the window it opens into Sri Lankan literature and its global diaspora.

The authors and translators deserve commendation for their monumental efforts in showcasing Sri Lanka's literary heritage to the world.

This anthology is a gem in which you explore its verses and immerse yourself in its profound depth and resonance. Every page takes you into a realm where emotions are masterfully woven into poetry. Whether you linger over a few lines or lose yourself in multiple verses, the impact is undeniably profound. These poems will linger in my heart, their imagery and sentiments echoing in my mind for days to come.

In all, this anthology is an outstanding collection that I wholeheartedly recommend, deserving a perfect 5-star rating.

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

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