The Panic Button

by Koom Kankesan

On the surface, Thambi is a dutiful son and brother, but internally he questions the expectations of both his family and culture. He's met someone at work who just burns herself into his flesh and brain; the problem is that she's Canadian and white. Complicating everything is the fact that his father, after a 20 year absence, is finally coming over to join them from Sri Lanka. A Tamil version of Goodbye, Columbus, the story simultaneously tickles the funny bone and pulls on the heart strings.

115 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Ada Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account of the internal tug of war between familial obligation and wanting to find one's own muddled path. (Like life itself...) Thambi's story isn't without awkward patches to read through, but it's some genuine writing. Whether any of these elements are autobiographical, Kankesan bares all in cultural insights inside the home, something that you don't always get to see and an opportunity to understand.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst author I have ever read

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a brown boy who feels the traditions of his Sri Lankan heritage are at odds with who he is. But he doesn't quite know who he is. Loved it.

[ebookclassics · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars