BOOK REVIEW: "The Road from Elephant Pass" by Nihal de Silva

 

The Road From Elephant Pass by Nihal de Silva
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sri Lankan novelist Nihal de Silva wrote the award-winning novel "The Road from Elephant Pass" in 2003. It is about the 26-year-old Sri Lankan civil war between Sinhalese and Tamils and he was killed by a land mine explosion in the Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka on May 28, 2006, thus becoming a victim of Tamil terrorism that he was writing about.

The novel won the 2003 Gratiaen Prize which is a prestigious literary award given for the best English-language creative writing published in Sri Lanka. In the same year, the novel won the State Literary Award for the Best Novel which recognizes excellence in Sri Lankan literature.

The novel explores the complexities of the Sri Lankan civil war. Set against the backdrop of the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, the story follows the unlikely relationship between Wasantha Ratnayake, a Sinhalese army captain, and Kamala Velaithan, a Tamil woman who was once a high-ranking member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Here are some notable aspects of the novel:

Exploration of the Human Cost of War: The novel delves into the devastating impact of war on individuals and society. It portrays the suffering of ordinary people caught in the crossfire, the loss of innocence, and the psychological trauma experienced by both combatants and civilians.

Complex Characters: The characters are multifaceted and morally ambiguous. Wasantha and Kamala, despite their opposing backgrounds, develop a complex and nuanced relationship that challenges the simplistic narratives of the conflict.

Critique of Nationalism and Extremism: The novel critiques the destructive forces of nationalism and extremism, highlighting how they can lead to violence, dehumanization, and the erosion of human values.

Themes of Love, Loss, and Redemption: Amidst the violence and despair, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the possibility of redemption. The relationship between Wasantha and Kamala, as well as the personal journeys of other characters, offer glimpses of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Literary Style: De Silva's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and psychological depth. He masterfully captures the atmosphere of war-torn Sri Lanka, creating a sense of immersion and immediacy for the reader.

The very last page gave me goosebumps. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a nuanced and unflinching look at the Sri Lankan civil war. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming conflict.

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