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Ruins
In the pent-up heat of Colombo, piece by piece, a family comes apart.A stunning debut novel from a fresh voice in Australian fiction, for fans of Zadie Smith and Rohinton Mistry.'RUINS is a stirring and skilfully crafted debut, and Savanadasa's characters are so vividly drawn they feel like family. With his sharp and masterful observations of race, class and gender in the "new" Sri Lanka, Savanadasa takes his seat beside Omar Musa, Alice Pung and Michael Mohammed Ahmad to usher in the brave and stunning new dawn of diverse Australian fiction.' Maxine Beneba Clarke, award-winning author of FOREIGN SOILA country picking up the pieces, a family among the ruins.In the restless streets, crowded waiting rooms and glittering nightclubs of Colombo, five family members find their bonds stretched to breaking point in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan civil war.Latha wants a home. Anoushka wants an iPod. Mano hopes to win his wife back.Lakshmi dreams of rescuing a lost boy.And Niranjan needs big money so he can leave them all behind. '[Savanadasa's] writing recalls Christos Tsiolkas' recent work ... distinct and convincing, RUINS heralds the arrival of a gifted new talent in Australian fiction.' BOOKS+PUBLISHING'An absolute must-read' WOMAN'S DAY'An outstanding debut novel' WEST AUSTRALIAN'RUINS is an impressive debut. Savanadasa joins other important contemporary Australian-Sri Lankan novelists . . . in enriching the globalised phenomenon that is Australian literature.' THE SATURDAY PAPER'RUINS stands out from other Australian debuts for its ambitious structure, its vibrant setting, and the depth and complexity of the Sri Lankan family at the centre of the story.' READINGS'an intelligent, engaging novel' DARK MATTER ZINE'A rich and colourful story of family and country, its complexity revealed in layers . . . Only through the eyes of others can we begin to see a place.' Inga Simpson, author of the critically acclaimed WHERE THE TREES WERE
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
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381 people want to read
About the author
Rajith Savanadasa
1 book5 followersRajith Savanadasa is a Sri Lankan born writer based in Melbourne. He runs an ongoing series of interviews documenting the lives of a group of asylum seekers in Melbourne. Savanadasa was shortlisted for the Asia-Europe Foundation and Fish Publishing short story prizes in 2013, and received a Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellowship in 2014. His debut novel, Ruins, was published by Hachette Australia in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 18, 2016
Ruins is the story of a Sri Lankan family unravelling as the civil war comes to an end. Each member is discontented with their lives and yearns for something more. Only Lathi, the maid who slaves for the family doing all the household chores, seems content with her place in life, having never learnt that it could be so much more. The head of the household, Mano is a journalist struggling to deal with political corruption in the reporting of the news and yearning for his wife Lakshmi to be the young woman he married. Tamil herself, Lakshmi has her own concerns and has become obsessed with finding a missing Tamil boy from her home village. Mano and Lakshmi's children, teenager Anoushka, and University graduate Niranjan have been brought up in a traditional home and find their parents expectations clash with the modern world and the freedoms allowed to their friends.
As a debut novel, this is a very accomplished, multilayered piece of writing. Told from each family member's POV in turn, glimpses of each family member are seen from different angles. Prior to reading this, I didn't know very much about Sri Lankan culture and found it interesting to read about the culture and traditions. The author raises many of the issues of post war Sri Lankan society, including religion, race, class, gender and the friction caused by increasing modernism vs traditional values. In the postscript the author says the story is based on the traditional 'moonstone' of Sinhalese culture, a semicircular stone with the lotus flower at the centre (signalling rebirth) and alternating arcs of animals representing the cycles of life - birth (elephant), decay (bull), disease (lion) and death (horse). The family in this story can be seen to go through these cycles with the possibility of rebirth hinted at the end.
As a debut novel, this is a very accomplished, multilayered piece of writing. Told from each family member's POV in turn, glimpses of each family member are seen from different angles. Prior to reading this, I didn't know very much about Sri Lankan culture and found it interesting to read about the culture and traditions. The author raises many of the issues of post war Sri Lankan society, including religion, race, class, gender and the friction caused by increasing modernism vs traditional values. In the postscript the author says the story is based on the traditional 'moonstone' of Sinhalese culture, a semicircular stone with the lotus flower at the centre (signalling rebirth) and alternating arcs of animals representing the cycles of life - birth (elephant), decay (bull), disease (lion) and death (horse). The family in this story can be seen to go through these cycles with the possibility of rebirth hinted at the end.
June 4, 2017
Set in Colombo just as the civil war is ending, this is a kind of downbeat, but still really enjoyable study of a family in crisis. The story unfolds via chapters alternating the points of view of each of the five main characters.
Lakshmi is the love of Mano's life, but their inter-racial relationship has become very strained and he doesn't know why. This, and the stress of being the editor of a newspaper trying to be faithful to its raison d'être during this tumultuous and dangerous period of Sri Lankan history, makes Mano turn to drink.
Of course Lakshmi has good reason to be distracted and withdrawn. As a Tamil essentially living a Sinhalese life, and especially with Mano's newspaper connections, she has become the perfect target for overseas Tamils to contact, seeking information about missing boys. Mostly she ignores the graphic emails and phonecalls, but one has got under her skin. She asks Mano to help, and he dearly wishes she hadn't.
Niranjan, their son and eldest child, has recently returned from 5 years of studying in Sydney. It has changed him and his ideas about what he wants in life. What he wants is a couple of million dollars for a start-up! Although still living in the family home, he leads the hedonistic life of many western men his age, and this is beginning to both worry and anger his parents.
Anoushka is 16 years old, with her O levels approaching. She's studying hard, trying to conceal her punk music obsession, and also I think slightly in love with her ex-best friend, Natalie.
Latha, the servant who has been with the family since before the children were born, is largely an 'unseen' figure in the household these days. She's content with her lot, but wishes her formerly close relationship with Anoushka especially, had not been lost.
Plotwise, a couple of significant events have a profound effect on Niranjan and Latha. Niro settles down and grows a conscience, while Latha develops an air of serenity that is so sudden and so noticeable, it makes people talk (and Anoushka a bit jealous).
I'd been looking forward to reading this debut novel by Sri Lankan-born Australian author Rajith Savanadasa since hearing him speak at MWF 2016. There he spoke about the process he went through to find the right 'voice' for this story. Having now read it, I think he got it right.
Lakshmi is the love of Mano's life, but their inter-racial relationship has become very strained and he doesn't know why. This, and the stress of being the editor of a newspaper trying to be faithful to its raison d'être during this tumultuous and dangerous period of Sri Lankan history, makes Mano turn to drink.
Of course Lakshmi has good reason to be distracted and withdrawn. As a Tamil essentially living a Sinhalese life, and especially with Mano's newspaper connections, she has become the perfect target for overseas Tamils to contact, seeking information about missing boys. Mostly she ignores the graphic emails and phonecalls, but one has got under her skin. She asks Mano to help, and he dearly wishes she hadn't.
Niranjan, their son and eldest child, has recently returned from 5 years of studying in Sydney. It has changed him and his ideas about what he wants in life. What he wants is a couple of million dollars for a start-up! Although still living in the family home, he leads the hedonistic life of many western men his age, and this is beginning to both worry and anger his parents.
Anoushka is 16 years old, with her O levels approaching. She's studying hard, trying to conceal her punk music obsession, and also I think slightly in love with her ex-best friend, Natalie.
Latha, the servant who has been with the family since before the children were born, is largely an 'unseen' figure in the household these days. She's content with her lot, but wishes her formerly close relationship with Anoushka especially, had not been lost.
Plotwise, a couple of significant events have a profound effect on Niranjan and Latha. Niro settles down and grows a conscience, while Latha develops an air of serenity that is so sudden and so noticeable, it makes people talk (and Anoushka a bit jealous).
I'd been looking forward to reading this debut novel by Sri Lankan-born Australian author Rajith Savanadasa since hearing him speak at MWF 2016. There he spoke about the process he went through to find the right 'voice' for this story. Having now read it, I think he got it right.
March 5, 2017
It’s pleasing to see that Australia has another author from the Sri Lankan diaspora to join the award-winning Michelle de Kretser, and by the look of this debut, Rajith Savanadasa has a great future as an author ahead.
Set in Colombo in the aftermath of the civil war, Ruins is a story of a family in crisis. The generations are in constant conflict over issues big and small, and the old familial certainties don’t seem to fit into the new way of life in a city in transition.
Anoushka is suffering the travails of teenage years, trying to cope with the torment of friendship issues; she has a yearning for an iPod so that she can listen to the kind of music she likes (and her parents disapprove of); Niranjan is hoping to make big money out of his start-up company but he’s hanging around with the wrong crowd. His father Mano is struggling professionally as journalism falters not only because of the digital age but also because of political corruption; Mano’s been neglecting his wife Lakshmi too and she’s got herself tangled up in a risky quest to find a missing Tamil boy.
Savanadasa introduces his Australian readers to an unfamiliar world, one which is strictly gendered, class-based and overtly racist. The book is narrated by each of the five central characters, beginning with the servant Latha whose sense of social inferiority is reinforced in all her daily interactions...
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/06/20/r...
Set in Colombo in the aftermath of the civil war, Ruins is a story of a family in crisis. The generations are in constant conflict over issues big and small, and the old familial certainties don’t seem to fit into the new way of life in a city in transition.
Anoushka is suffering the travails of teenage years, trying to cope with the torment of friendship issues; she has a yearning for an iPod so that she can listen to the kind of music she likes (and her parents disapprove of); Niranjan is hoping to make big money out of his start-up company but he’s hanging around with the wrong crowd. His father Mano is struggling professionally as journalism falters not only because of the digital age but also because of political corruption; Mano’s been neglecting his wife Lakshmi too and she’s got herself tangled up in a risky quest to find a missing Tamil boy.
Savanadasa introduces his Australian readers to an unfamiliar world, one which is strictly gendered, class-based and overtly racist. The book is narrated by each of the five central characters, beginning with the servant Latha whose sense of social inferiority is reinforced in all her daily interactions...
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2016/06/20/r...
July 16, 2016
4 1/2 stars. I recently visited Sri Lanka and this novel transported me back to the heart of Colombo; sight, smell, sound and taste. I read that Savanadasa initially struggled with this novel until he decided to let the characters just simply tell their stories and not, as he initially planned, try to deliver a moralistic and/or judgmental message. He has certainly done this. The characters are moving, individual and seamlessly hold the plot together yet they simmer with emotion under a barely contained surface. A fantastic debut novel and one I would highly recommend.
December 18, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. Having read many other books set in Sri Lanka before, and during the civil war, this one seemed to skim the surface.
This middle class family in Colombo, seem to be immersed in their domestic issues.
Latha, the domestic helper, has served them for years and has an attachment with the children. However, the children are grown up and seem entitled. Only a trip to Latha’s hometown opens thier eyes to the depravity that villagers up north are entrenched in. But despite this, there seems a missed opportunity to develop this storyline.
Lakshmi lives in guilt a fear. She is a Tamil married into a middle class Sinhalese family but she is aware of treading a v fine line, feeling judged as lower status within her social class.
I kept waiting for the storyline to develop but it seemed to flatline. The characters seemed rather hollow and were talking around each other than to each other.
May 7, 2023
At first I didn’t like this book, I didn’t get where it was “going”. But, despite myself, I kept wanting to pick it up and keep going. The characters are so real in their unlikability. The character development is true to life - slow and faltering for some characters and non-existent for others. I thought this was a clever, different book that gave me strong insight into post Civil War Sri Lanka’s social relations, played out in one family.
August 14, 2016
Good Lord what an utterly unsettling book. And not in the good creepy way... more in the "can these people be anymore selfish and short sighted please just let me shake some sense into them" kind of way.
I feel like I need to start with the most selfish and self involved of them all. Lakshmi. Lakshmi is so preoccupied with trying to find some kid from her old village that she doesn't notice the depression of her youngest daughter or issues of her eldest son. She deliberately puts her family in a situation that was extremely dangerous after multiple warnings all the while berating her family about "doing the right thing" and being ridiculously strict. Never have I felt such deep loathing for a character as I do for Lakshmi. She's not evil. Just the biggest raging hypocrite to walk the earth. Then she has the nerve to blame her servant for her daughter trying to kill herself when SHE was the one who drove her daughter to it.
Her husband Mano isn't much better. He, as well as his wife, is completely and utterly oblivious to everyone else's troubles. Although he gets points for knowing that he's going to get himself into deep trouble by investigating this boy his wife is obsessed with but does the very least to help her (the very least is still pretty terrifying) and he, at the very least, doesn't have a strangle hold on their children. (I don't think he particularly cares about them either though but he doesn't drive his daughter to suicide at least nor does he have a meltdown when his adult son decides to move out.) He's a very typical bumbling father character... those characterised well enough that he doesn't feel like the thinly camouflaged trope.
Poor Anoushka. I feel truely sorry for her, not only does she not fit in with her peers but she can't even be the person she truely wants to be because of the death grip her mother has on everything she does. Her only escape is listening to rock/punk music and she doesn't even get to keep that for long! No one is good at communicating in this book but I think half the problem stems from the fact that no one bloody listens to each other either. It's no wonder that Anoushka cannot even vocalise her distress when both her mother and father only ever hear versions of what they want to hear.
Niranjan is the only family member that seems to have a decent arc in this book. His first chapter is so disgusting I nearly abandoned the book... I know it's probably typical of how dudes think but it was just something I was not interested in reading. However I guess he get's his comeuppance. It's a nasty thing but I can't say I don't think he deserved it. However it seems to be a catalyst in a change of personality and he finally seems to grow as a person. Even paying the tiniest amount of attention to his sister to get her a CD that'd she probably like for her O-levels celebration.
Latha, the servant, I think is supposed to be the central sort of character in this novel. She's the beginning, the middle and the end however I wasn't particularly compelled by her story. I did feel sorry for her because everyone seemed to blame her for everything, even Anoushka and Niranjan... which I personally believe it was because it was acceptable to blame their servant instead of their parents.
As a whole I don't think I enjoyed this book. The writing was lovely, everyone was characterised really nicely (even though they were horrific people, they weren't unbelievable in the least) I enjoyed a lot of the background and history that was included in the book, not knowing much about Sri Lanka or any of their history/wars/civil wars/culture etc. And honestly, I am happy to say that I dislike this book from a white western point of view. I have no experience or knowledge to really compare these characters to in their cultural setting and this, frankly, could just be a very typical Sri Lankan family and I'm judging it based on ignorance but eep. I sort of hope not.
I feel like I need to start with the most selfish and self involved of them all. Lakshmi. Lakshmi is so preoccupied with trying to find some kid from her old village that she doesn't notice the depression of her youngest daughter or issues of her eldest son. She deliberately puts her family in a situation that was extremely dangerous after multiple warnings all the while berating her family about "doing the right thing" and being ridiculously strict. Never have I felt such deep loathing for a character as I do for Lakshmi. She's not evil. Just the biggest raging hypocrite to walk the earth. Then she has the nerve to blame her servant for her daughter trying to kill herself when SHE was the one who drove her daughter to it.
Her husband Mano isn't much better. He, as well as his wife, is completely and utterly oblivious to everyone else's troubles. Although he gets points for knowing that he's going to get himself into deep trouble by investigating this boy his wife is obsessed with but does the very least to help her (the very least is still pretty terrifying) and he, at the very least, doesn't have a strangle hold on their children. (I don't think he particularly cares about them either though but he doesn't drive his daughter to suicide at least nor does he have a meltdown when his adult son decides to move out.) He's a very typical bumbling father character... those characterised well enough that he doesn't feel like the thinly camouflaged trope.
Poor Anoushka. I feel truely sorry for her, not only does she not fit in with her peers but she can't even be the person she truely wants to be because of the death grip her mother has on everything she does. Her only escape is listening to rock/punk music and she doesn't even get to keep that for long! No one is good at communicating in this book but I think half the problem stems from the fact that no one bloody listens to each other either. It's no wonder that Anoushka cannot even vocalise her distress when both her mother and father only ever hear versions of what they want to hear.
Niranjan is the only family member that seems to have a decent arc in this book. His first chapter is so disgusting I nearly abandoned the book... I know it's probably typical of how dudes think but it was just something I was not interested in reading. However I guess he get's his comeuppance. It's a nasty thing but I can't say I don't think he deserved it. However it seems to be a catalyst in a change of personality and he finally seems to grow as a person. Even paying the tiniest amount of attention to his sister to get her a CD that'd she probably like for her O-levels celebration.
Latha, the servant, I think is supposed to be the central sort of character in this novel. She's the beginning, the middle and the end however I wasn't particularly compelled by her story. I did feel sorry for her because everyone seemed to blame her for everything, even Anoushka and Niranjan... which I personally believe it was because it was acceptable to blame their servant instead of their parents.
As a whole I don't think I enjoyed this book. The writing was lovely, everyone was characterised really nicely (even though they were horrific people, they weren't unbelievable in the least) I enjoyed a lot of the background and history that was included in the book, not knowing much about Sri Lanka or any of their history/wars/civil wars/culture etc. And honestly, I am happy to say that I dislike this book from a white western point of view. I have no experience or knowledge to really compare these characters to in their cultural setting and this, frankly, could just be a very typical Sri Lankan family and I'm judging it based on ignorance but eep. I sort of hope not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2016
Ruins is an enormously ambitious and complex novel by debut author Rajith Savanadasa. Set in Colombo in the midst of Sri Lanka's final days of the civil war, the book is narrated from five perspectives, allowing an in-depth and contrasting narrative that explores different aspects of the community and culture. Centred on the Herath family, we meet the father, Mano, a newspaper reporter, walking a fine line between telling what is true and what is socially and politically acceptable (in his professional and personal life). His wife, Lakshmi, nurtures a surely impossible dream of rescuing one small boy lost in the chaos of civil unrest. Their daughter Anoushka shows us the adolescent point of view as she tries to fit in with those around her. And her brother Niranjan is bold and adventurous, hoping to raise the capital for his schemes. At the heart of this family is the servant, Latha, adrift from her own family, and crucial to the Heraths, although of course, she will always only be a servant. Each of these characters is drawn with skill and compassion; each voice is clear and distinct. The story moves along from one to the other with seamless grace. The language, history and culture of Sri Lanka are closely woven within the narrative. The pages are peppered with unfamiliar words and with the usage of patronymic pronouns; this contributes to authenticity and adds to the fascination of family connections and responsibilities. The novel encompasses some big issues around the conflict between the Tamil Tigers and the Singalese, between terrorism and the establishment. It gives a glimpse into the social chasm between rich and poor, between the servants and those they serve. It delves into the emotional war raging within people whose country has been at war with itself for so long. Like the books by Indian author Rohinton Mistry, this novel draws us in through careful and close attention to detail, through engaging and believable characters, and through the exciting and dangerous times in which it is set.
July 26, 2016
Set against the backdrop of Colombo in the final days of the Sri Lankan civil war, Ruins actively tells the story of one family grappling with the changing needs and wants of each family member and the generational differences and associated challenges in a cultural stronghold society.
Importantly, Ruins tells the story of identity and the acquisition and challenges of maintaining the identity of one's choosing. Savanadasa tackles this with not just individual considerations in mind but also the additional challenge of how cultural norms shape and mold our identity, the restraints of this, and to a degree the comfort and discomfort that cultural identity can offer.
A gloriously colourful and rich story told from multiple points of view, each of which added an individual yet collective layer of complexity and depth to the story. In all, a stunning debut novel from author Rajith Savanadasa.
Importantly, Ruins tells the story of identity and the acquisition and challenges of maintaining the identity of one's choosing. Savanadasa tackles this with not just individual considerations in mind but also the additional challenge of how cultural norms shape and mold our identity, the restraints of this, and to a degree the comfort and discomfort that cultural identity can offer.
A gloriously colourful and rich story told from multiple points of view, each of which added an individual yet collective layer of complexity and depth to the story. In all, a stunning debut novel from author Rajith Savanadasa.
December 11, 2016
I really wanted to love this but it was beset by problems that I just couldn't get past. Poor characterisation, a meandering plot (every now and again it felt like it was going somewhere, then it just didn't), awkward use of language.
I struggled to get through it and just as I felt like it found its' groove, it ended, kind of unexpectedly (eReaders sometimes make these things a surprise.)
I feel really awful writing this as Australian literature really needs new vibrant Asian writers but this just didn't cut it. Hopefully Savanadasa's second novel will knock me off my feet.
2.5
I struggled to get through it and just as I felt like it found its' groove, it ended, kind of unexpectedly (eReaders sometimes make these things a surprise.)
I feel really awful writing this as Australian literature really needs new vibrant Asian writers but this just didn't cut it. Hopefully Savanadasa's second novel will knock me off my feet.
2.5
August 29, 2016
This is a warm, thoughtful story of a family struggling to relate to each other in the immediate aftermath of the civil war in Sri Lanka. I enjoyed the portrait of life in Columbo and found elements of the story engaging, but wasn't quite carried along to the finale. Savandasa's ability to inhabit each of his five characters is impressive, but I wanted to spend more time with Anoushka. Still, a very promising debut.
January 8, 2017
A simple read which deals with the daily happenings in a Sri Lankan family just around the time the war ended. No big aahaa moments as such, but a pretty engaging read overall.
January 17, 2025
I hated this book for a number of reasons. Firstly, none of the characters were remotely likeable, and they weren't even written in a way that they were relatable. Even though they had problems & concerns that anyone could relate to, they were written in such a way that you couldn't actually sympathise or empathise with them.
Secondly, there was absolutely no plot, no proper structure to the story, and no meaning to be discerned from the novel at all. This is made worse by the fact that there *were* so many elements of this book the author could have taken & used to improve this book, to actually make a point. Rajith could've made a point about the caste system in Sri Lanka, or the treatment of the Tamil people, or journalists being persecuted around the world, or growing up as a lesbian in a conservative culture, or mental health, or secondary trauma, or not knowing what you want to do when you grow up. It's like the author had all these vague ideas of things he *wanted* to say, but lacked the skill to write them well, so left them as vague suggestions which were not fleshed out at all.
Finally, the novel was very poorly written. It was not written in such a way to make you feel *anything*. There's nothing there to intrigue you, to keep you gripped to the story. As I've already mentioned, the characters are lacking and the plot is nonexistent. It was just written very flatly, with what felt like little skill whatsoever. I only finished it out of sheer stubbornness, and I regret not DNFing earlier as it feels like a colossal waste of my time.
Secondly, there was absolutely no plot, no proper structure to the story, and no meaning to be discerned from the novel at all. This is made worse by the fact that there *were* so many elements of this book the author could have taken & used to improve this book, to actually make a point. Rajith could've made a point about the caste system in Sri Lanka, or the treatment of the Tamil people, or journalists being persecuted around the world, or growing up as a lesbian in a conservative culture, or mental health, or secondary trauma, or not knowing what you want to do when you grow up. It's like the author had all these vague ideas of things he *wanted* to say, but lacked the skill to write them well, so left them as vague suggestions which were not fleshed out at all.
Finally, the novel was very poorly written. It was not written in such a way to make you feel *anything*. There's nothing there to intrigue you, to keep you gripped to the story. As I've already mentioned, the characters are lacking and the plot is nonexistent. It was just written very flatly, with what felt like little skill whatsoever. I only finished it out of sheer stubbornness, and I regret not DNFing earlier as it feels like a colossal waste of my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
DNF 🛑
I tried to read Ruins by Rajith Savanadasa and, folks, I regret to inform you that I did not make it out alive. This book was so mind-numbingly dull, so flavorless, so limp-noodle, that I’m convinced the real “ruins” here were my precious hours of reading time.
Set in post-war Sri Lanka, Ruins tries to follow a family living through the aftermath of conflict, peeking at their secrets, dreams, and moral crises. It could have been powerful, but instead it slogged through pages of awkward, clunky writing and characters flatter than a two-day-old soda. We had the brooding father, the frustrated mother, the kids stumbling through generational baggage — yet somehow they all felt like cardboard cutouts glued to a wobbly backdrop.
Every page was a valiant battle to stay awake, and I lost. The plot, if you can even call it that, sort of oozed along with no tension, no spark, no anything to keep me invested. I felt like I was reading a Wikipedia entry with a hangover.
Was there a message? Maybe. Did I stick around long enough to care? Absolutely not. I’d rather watch paint dry on a ruin than spend another minute with these characters politely sipping their tea and barely managing to form a compelling thought between them.
In short, Ruins made me want to yeet it across the room and go read the back of a cereal box instead — at least that has better pacing.
⭐ Final verdict: 0.75 stars, generously awarded for existing on printed paper. Would not recommend unless you’re in dire need of a nap.
I tried to read Ruins by Rajith Savanadasa and, folks, I regret to inform you that I did not make it out alive. This book was so mind-numbingly dull, so flavorless, so limp-noodle, that I’m convinced the real “ruins” here were my precious hours of reading time.
Set in post-war Sri Lanka, Ruins tries to follow a family living through the aftermath of conflict, peeking at their secrets, dreams, and moral crises. It could have been powerful, but instead it slogged through pages of awkward, clunky writing and characters flatter than a two-day-old soda. We had the brooding father, the frustrated mother, the kids stumbling through generational baggage — yet somehow they all felt like cardboard cutouts glued to a wobbly backdrop.
Every page was a valiant battle to stay awake, and I lost. The plot, if you can even call it that, sort of oozed along with no tension, no spark, no anything to keep me invested. I felt like I was reading a Wikipedia entry with a hangover.
Was there a message? Maybe. Did I stick around long enough to care? Absolutely not. I’d rather watch paint dry on a ruin than spend another minute with these characters politely sipping their tea and barely managing to form a compelling thought between them.
In short, Ruins made me want to yeet it across the room and go read the back of a cereal box instead — at least that has better pacing.
⭐ Final verdict: 0.75 stars, generously awarded for existing on printed paper. Would not recommend unless you’re in dire need of a nap.
May 23, 2017
I haven't read any contemporary fiction written by Sri Lankan writers so I can't judge where it sits in that oeuvre but simply as an interesting family novel, it stacks up well. Told with different voices (parents, teenagers servants) we explore the tensions in a family caused by war, by race, by sexuality, by politics, by hierachy. I've only spend a brief time in Sri Lanka but this was exactly the sort of book I should have read before I went - it's full of language and culture of a modern but foreign world.
August 7, 2017
A mixed (Tamil/Sinhalese) family in Colombo are eager for the end of the war in Lanka, but even after it ends, Mano, an editor, is fearful of writing anything in the newspaper against the government; his wife, Lakshmi is fearful every time they arrive at a checkpoint because of the Tamils picked up by white vans.
While Savanadasa wove the prejudice both of Sinhalese towards Tamil and their treatment of servants skillfully throughout this story, I'm not sure the significance of white vans would be clear to readers unfamiliar with the torture and genocide of Lankan Tamils.
While Savanadasa wove the prejudice both of Sinhalese towards Tamil and their treatment of servants skillfully throughout this story, I'm not sure the significance of white vans would be clear to readers unfamiliar with the torture and genocide of Lankan Tamils.
February 9, 2018
Regrettably the story concentrated too much on the problem of a family, The political situation of Sri Lanka was only mentioned on a side line.
I did not like the many foreign words inserted. Granted, it must have made it an interesting reading for the people who understand the language, but for me it was somewhat annoying.
There was no time frame given and obviously the story evolved by the end of Sri Lankan civil war, which ended in 2009. In the last chapter of the book there was a reference to Czechoslovakia in connection of an internet account. Czechoslovakia ceased to exist in 1993.
I did not like the many foreign words inserted. Granted, it must have made it an interesting reading for the people who understand the language, but for me it was somewhat annoying.
There was no time frame given and obviously the story evolved by the end of Sri Lankan civil war, which ended in 2009. In the last chapter of the book there was a reference to Czechoslovakia in connection of an internet account. Czechoslovakia ceased to exist in 1993.
December 30, 2017
I visited Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, while the Tamil insurrection was tearing the country apart. It was a place of poverty, decay, fear and religious devotion. This novel brought back the feel, smells and atmosphere of Colombo and the poor rural areas.
I loved the story and the people in this novel. The symbolism and metaphors are subtle and sit quietly in the background, not overwhelming the realism and humanity of the narrative. Lively, interesting and the sort of book you can read quickly, or take it slowly and let it seep into your consciousness.
A great novel - I loved it.
I loved the story and the people in this novel. The symbolism and metaphors are subtle and sit quietly in the background, not overwhelming the realism and humanity of the narrative. Lively, interesting and the sort of book you can read quickly, or take it slowly and let it seep into your consciousness.
A great novel - I loved it.
October 22, 2016
I was ready to like this more than I did. It is a very light read and gripping enough. The writing itself is servicable rather than a delight, with a few sentences here and there landing with a thump, try, "Drivers these days were notorious for pretending they hadn't gone near when your bumper would be dented or your door scraped." For me, I noticed when the writing was a little clunky and nothing ever lept off the page as a memorable turn of phrase. Nearly the first half is simply building the scene and characterisation before the action starts, but when it does it mostly happens in ellipsis and is then alluded to. That'd all be okay except it didn't quite come off. There is a lot of hinting about hidden depths in the mother character but nothing is made of it and, in the end, she is written as a one dimensional shrew. It is always dangerous ground using pop culture markers like songs and so on to flesh out characters and some of it here, with the kids, is a bit shakey.
I think for the prospective reader it really comes down to how interested you are in the background scene of Sri Lanka coming out of the civil war. It is a good, but not great, familial pot-boiler, that will be lifted tremendously if the setting is of interest.
I think for the prospective reader it really comes down to how interested you are in the background scene of Sri Lanka coming out of the civil war. It is a good, but not great, familial pot-boiler, that will be lifted tremendously if the setting is of interest.
November 1, 2016
I haven't read anything (I don't think!) set in Sri Lanka, so I was intrigued by this novel but sadly it just didn't excite me. The story is based around one family and their servant and the point of view moves from one character to the other, all of them having a different perspective on events, on a personal and a national scale. I didn't feel like I got to know any of the characters well enough to be totally wrapped up in this novel. So it just wasn't for me really.
March 7, 2022
Much ado about nothing. The book promised but didn't really deliver in my opinion.
February 12, 2024
Each perspective was so unique, you’d think it was five different people narrating a joint story
October 6, 2016
ARC kindly provided by Hachette Australia in exchange for an honest review.
Review
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
Review
'Ruins' was SO hard to get through! I can't believe that I actually managed to force myself to keep reading and reading until I ACTUALLY finished the book! This was just plain annoying for me to read. And a real trek into the mountains, too.
What I disliked from the first page was the character, Latha. She was just so...argh! Frustrating and subservient and very, very weak! It was like putting up with a pesky mosquito! Latha was constantly just BUZZING around her employers and not even saying a word to any of them. She wouldn't say anything when she was judged harshly, she obeyed their every single word, she just nodded her head and accepted the freakishly snobbish people she worked for. She didn't even have ONE thought of rebellion! Of somehow getting OUT of the situation she was stuck in! Latha was just all, "Yes, sir," and "Yes, ma'am!" Argh!!! And when her brother came to torment her and try to coerce her into becoming HIS personal slave, she just put up with it! Nods and mumbles of agreement. She would act as though her brother was yet another master in the house she worked for! And the work she did was just grating on me. She was a maid-slave. Latha did all the laundry by hand. She cooked by hand, with no help. Cleaned everything. AND she absolutely LOVED the children in the family as though they were her own children! I felt like grabbing her by the shoulders and saying, "PLEASE DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFE! DONT JUST ACCEPT STUFF AS IT IS!"
I strongly disliked the culture. It was so male dominated. I hated it. It made me want to throw the book against the wall, but I felt too bad for the paperback. I know that I should judge other cultures for the traditions and morals that they uphold. The whole reason why I picked up ruins was to discover and explore a different way of life! But this setting was just not it for me.
Most of the other characters were pretty stuck up and stupid, too. I mean, why they couldn’t open their eyes a little to the world around them was beyond me! Each of them was so deeply entrenched in their personal little worlds and each HATED stepping outside those little bubbles. They couldn't even open their eyes to the lives of their closest family members! It was ridiculous!
I strongly dislike the dialogue and prose. It was definitely effective in carrying across the speech patterns of Singapore, but I hated the sound of it in my head. Too busy and loud. Just not to my taste.
And the plot didn't make sense to me. What was the problem? What did each of these characters overcome? There was way too many of them! I didn't get anything from this novel. And when I finished, I felt like shouting, "Why did I just read this!"
Congratulations to Rajith Savandasa on the publication of his debut novel, 'Ruins'!
Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!
October 22, 2021
Australian-Sri Lankan writer, Rajith Savanadasa's beautifully crafted debut novel "Ruins" is centred around the Herath family.
Ruins is loosely based on the Sandakada Pahana with its circular bands, one of which contains a procession of animals, each representing a stage of life: the elephant (birth), the bull (decay), the lion (disease) and the horse (death). In another band is the swan, representing discernment between good and evil. At the centre of these circles is the lotus, representing enlightenment.
Each character represents a symbol on the Sandakada Pahana. They are all discontented with their lives and yearning for more, each on their own journey from one state of being to the next.
Latha's brother wants her to return to their village but what will she do there? Latha has been at Mano Mahaththaya and Lakshmi Nona's since before Niranjan Baby was born and he is 23 now and wants to be called "mahaththaya" himself. She had been 16 when she started, which is how old Anoushka Baby is now.
Mano likes to think he's a good husband, a good father, a good newspaper editor. He's not sure why the people around him are unhappy. Mano wants the old Lakshmi back, the fun one. Burdened by having to keep the peace at home and at work, Mano turns to what his wife refers to as "fire water, for a bit of relief.
Lakshmi tires to be a "good Tamil", one that is acceptable to society, unproblematic and apolitical. "Ammi isn't really Tamil", says Niranjan, "she's like one of us". However, having kept a tight rein on her identity for decades is wearing Lakshmi down. When an overseas based acquaintance reaches out to Lakshmi to search for a missing Tamil boy, Lakshmi is faced with a dilemma.
Niranjan returns to his home country after a five year study stint in Australia. He wants to achieve things, make his mark, show them all up. He needs capital for his start-up and for his parents to leave him alone to get on with his life.
Anoushka is trying to hide her punk rock obsession because everyone already thinks she’s a bit different. The pressures of her impending O-Levels, her strained friendship with former best friend Natalie, feeling isolated, friendless, and stifled, Anoushka is reaching breaking point which culminates in a distressing incident that shakes the Herath household to its core.
Based in 2009, during the last heady months of the civil war; the past and the present, the old and the new collide unravelling secrets, fears, and desires. Ruins is about identity and of identity crisis. It is about finding oneself and reaching a state of being content in simply being.
Ruins is loosely based on the Sandakada Pahana with its circular bands, one of which contains a procession of animals, each representing a stage of life: the elephant (birth), the bull (decay), the lion (disease) and the horse (death). In another band is the swan, representing discernment between good and evil. At the centre of these circles is the lotus, representing enlightenment.
Each character represents a symbol on the Sandakada Pahana. They are all discontented with their lives and yearning for more, each on their own journey from one state of being to the next.
Latha's brother wants her to return to their village but what will she do there? Latha has been at Mano Mahaththaya and Lakshmi Nona's since before Niranjan Baby was born and he is 23 now and wants to be called "mahaththaya" himself. She had been 16 when she started, which is how old Anoushka Baby is now.
Mano likes to think he's a good husband, a good father, a good newspaper editor. He's not sure why the people around him are unhappy. Mano wants the old Lakshmi back, the fun one. Burdened by having to keep the peace at home and at work, Mano turns to what his wife refers to as "fire water, for a bit of relief.
Lakshmi tires to be a "good Tamil", one that is acceptable to society, unproblematic and apolitical. "Ammi isn't really Tamil", says Niranjan, "she's like one of us". However, having kept a tight rein on her identity for decades is wearing Lakshmi down. When an overseas based acquaintance reaches out to Lakshmi to search for a missing Tamil boy, Lakshmi is faced with a dilemma.
Niranjan returns to his home country after a five year study stint in Australia. He wants to achieve things, make his mark, show them all up. He needs capital for his start-up and for his parents to leave him alone to get on with his life.
Anoushka is trying to hide her punk rock obsession because everyone already thinks she’s a bit different. The pressures of her impending O-Levels, her strained friendship with former best friend Natalie, feeling isolated, friendless, and stifled, Anoushka is reaching breaking point which culminates in a distressing incident that shakes the Herath household to its core.
Based in 2009, during the last heady months of the civil war; the past and the present, the old and the new collide unravelling secrets, fears, and desires. Ruins is about identity and of identity crisis. It is about finding oneself and reaching a state of being content in simply being.
November 26, 2016
Ruins is an interesting debut novel, following five principal characters who share a house in modern day Colombo. They are:
Mano Herath - the patriarch, newspaper editor and owner of a roving eye;
Lakshmi - Mano's wife, of Tamil heritage and deeply conservative;
Niranjan -their son, a wide boy who has studied in Australia who wants to get rich quick;
Anoushka - their daughter, a sixteen year old schoolgirl who is trying to assert an identity but is in the shade of the popular girls; and
Latha - the servant who is from the north and was orphaned at a young age.
Unusually for a family saga, each character is well delineated and takes turns at narrating. This allows each of their stories to be presented in two big bites rather than zipping back and forth - although as a whole it follows a linear timeline. This works well and keeps the narrative feeling fresh. And also unusually for a novel set in the developing world, the protagonists are not enduring a life of grinding poverty. Mano is middle class in every sense of the word, rubbing shoulders with the elite but never quite being part of their circle. The Herath family has money; they worry about brand labels and take away food; they see their role in Sri Lankan society and the wider world.
The hardship comes in the form of political divisions arising from the civil war. The war might have ended, but it has left a deeply divided society and the Heraths typify that division. There is never perfect trust; loose words can be hurtful and hurt can quickly escalate into violence.
And as well as the divisions according to race, there are divisions based on generations, and on social class. We see a society where the young are no longer content to adhere to traditional values and worship at the ancient temples. They have scant interest in recent history and even less in ancient history. They have access to information from around the world and want the same freedoms and lifestyles as their peers in other countries. And, for the middle classes, there is a strong sense of entitlement, protecting a world into which the nation's poorer, rural people will never be welcome.
If there is a criticism, it is that the narrative can occasionally become obscure and it is easy for a tired reader to drift away. In particular the ending starts to get pretty surreal. This is, I suspect, part of tying the narrative to the symbols within the moon stone (sandakada pahana) that is a feature of ancient Sri Lankan monuments. Rajith Savanadasa does expand on this a little in a note at the end of the novel - and it is mentioned also within the text - but the references may be a little obscure for an Australian audience.
Overall this was a readable novel, but perhaps the story was sometimes lost against the symbolism. Three and a half stars rounded up.
Mano Herath - the patriarch, newspaper editor and owner of a roving eye;
Lakshmi - Mano's wife, of Tamil heritage and deeply conservative;
Niranjan -their son, a wide boy who has studied in Australia who wants to get rich quick;
Anoushka - their daughter, a sixteen year old schoolgirl who is trying to assert an identity but is in the shade of the popular girls; and
Latha - the servant who is from the north and was orphaned at a young age.
Unusually for a family saga, each character is well delineated and takes turns at narrating. This allows each of their stories to be presented in two big bites rather than zipping back and forth - although as a whole it follows a linear timeline. This works well and keeps the narrative feeling fresh. And also unusually for a novel set in the developing world, the protagonists are not enduring a life of grinding poverty. Mano is middle class in every sense of the word, rubbing shoulders with the elite but never quite being part of their circle. The Herath family has money; they worry about brand labels and take away food; they see their role in Sri Lankan society and the wider world.
The hardship comes in the form of political divisions arising from the civil war. The war might have ended, but it has left a deeply divided society and the Heraths typify that division. There is never perfect trust; loose words can be hurtful and hurt can quickly escalate into violence.
And as well as the divisions according to race, there are divisions based on generations, and on social class. We see a society where the young are no longer content to adhere to traditional values and worship at the ancient temples. They have scant interest in recent history and even less in ancient history. They have access to information from around the world and want the same freedoms and lifestyles as their peers in other countries. And, for the middle classes, there is a strong sense of entitlement, protecting a world into which the nation's poorer, rural people will never be welcome.
If there is a criticism, it is that the narrative can occasionally become obscure and it is easy for a tired reader to drift away. In particular the ending starts to get pretty surreal. This is, I suspect, part of tying the narrative to the symbols within the moon stone (sandakada pahana) that is a feature of ancient Sri Lankan monuments. Rajith Savanadasa does expand on this a little in a note at the end of the novel - and it is mentioned also within the text - but the references may be a little obscure for an Australian audience.
Overall this was a readable novel, but perhaps the story was sometimes lost against the symbolism. Three and a half stars rounded up.
November 8, 2016
This was another book that I'd been recommended by the book seller. He in fact insisted I buy it. After years of going into the bookshop he kind of asserts his right on me, which I seem to admire. It was an easy read, a page turner. A story set in Sri Lanka amid the notorious civil war that culminated into genocide of Tamils in the country. The narration involves five characters who each narrate their story twice except for the maid Latha who concludes the story with her third entry.
Since you're privy to the characters and their soliloquies, it is easy to become fascinated with the story of each. The best part is that each character grows on you. One actually can almost feel the helpless voice of Latha, or the brattishness of Niranjan, the insecurity of Anoushka, the perplexity of Mano and the motherly weaknesses of Lakshmi, the only person who has Tamil origins and who is always insecure of it lest some gets a whiff of it.
I am by now tired of bad, overly mysterious or poetic endings. The only ending that stars in my years of readership is that of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.
The ending here is vague and this sudden realisation of a maid is not quite appetising. The story of contemporary but since it was bound by the structure of a enigmatic centuries old relic, one gets a feeling as if the writer has comprised himself to justify his use of the same. Other than that, the characters on their own, each one of them is memorable. I've read out portions from them to my friends and student, and they have indeed enjoyed the portrayal.
All in all, since the novel from the subcontinent, it could be easily related to and therefore had a deeper impact on me on many levels. Savanadasa here steers clear of pronouncing judgements or taking sides to the disadvantage of the other, which added to the charm of it, unlike many writers these days whose political leanings are either conspicuously or subcutaneously visible, and such writings rob you of the joy of using your intelligence. So, for a first novel Savanadasa does an amazing job.
Since you're privy to the characters and their soliloquies, it is easy to become fascinated with the story of each. The best part is that each character grows on you. One actually can almost feel the helpless voice of Latha, or the brattishness of Niranjan, the insecurity of Anoushka, the perplexity of Mano and the motherly weaknesses of Lakshmi, the only person who has Tamil origins and who is always insecure of it lest some gets a whiff of it.
I am by now tired of bad, overly mysterious or poetic endings. The only ending that stars in my years of readership is that of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes.
The ending here is vague and this sudden realisation of a maid is not quite appetising. The story of contemporary but since it was bound by the structure of a enigmatic centuries old relic, one gets a feeling as if the writer has comprised himself to justify his use of the same. Other than that, the characters on their own, each one of them is memorable. I've read out portions from them to my friends and student, and they have indeed enjoyed the portrayal.
All in all, since the novel from the subcontinent, it could be easily related to and therefore had a deeper impact on me on many levels. Savanadasa here steers clear of pronouncing judgements or taking sides to the disadvantage of the other, which added to the charm of it, unlike many writers these days whose political leanings are either conspicuously or subcutaneously visible, and such writings rob you of the joy of using your intelligence. So, for a first novel Savanadasa does an amazing job.
July 5, 2016
Actually 3.5 stars.
Thoroughly enjoyable, interesting story but the ending was a little soft which is why it doesn't quite make a 4 star rating.
contemporary novel narrated from multiple points of view.
Latha is the Tamil servant of a family at a crossroads of change. The family consists of the disturbed teenage daughter, Anoushka, the bumbling, passive-aggressive husband, Mano, his Tamil born, anxious wife, Lakshmi and their selfish, angry son, Niranjan.
The time frame is the end of the decades long Tamil Tigers civil war in 2009.
As the chapters cycle around for a second look at each characters POV, Savanadasa cleverly nudges us to see that our first opinions may not have been entirely accurate or complete. For a debut writer there is a great deal of assurance in his ability to create nuanced characters and layers of meaning.
Full review here -
http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...
Thoroughly enjoyable, interesting story but the ending was a little soft which is why it doesn't quite make a 4 star rating.
contemporary novel narrated from multiple points of view.
Latha is the Tamil servant of a family at a crossroads of change. The family consists of the disturbed teenage daughter, Anoushka, the bumbling, passive-aggressive husband, Mano, his Tamil born, anxious wife, Lakshmi and their selfish, angry son, Niranjan.
The time frame is the end of the decades long Tamil Tigers civil war in 2009.
As the chapters cycle around for a second look at each characters POV, Savanadasa cleverly nudges us to see that our first opinions may not have been entirely accurate or complete. For a debut writer there is a great deal of assurance in his ability to create nuanced characters and layers of meaning.
Full review here -
http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/20...
September 4, 2016
Rajith Savanadasa writing style impressed me. I felt like I have lived the life of a family in Sri Lanka, like I was there. He wrote it so visually and clearly about their dialogue and family dynamics that you got a real sense of what it was like to live there. The way it was written as well from each families perspective was really worthwhile as you got to experience the drama from many angles.
Saying this I didn't enjoy reading the story. I didn't enjoy the characters as they were not very nice people mostly. I found it difficult to accept the lies that continued in the family and the interactions that I would consider rude if I said these things to my family. I appreciate that this is the culture of Sri lanka that Rajith was describing so well. His descriptions were so real that I couldn't get past my dislike of the way they treat each other.
I would like to see more from this obviously talented writer but hope to not feel such distress in the family dynamics.
Saying this I didn't enjoy reading the story. I didn't enjoy the characters as they were not very nice people mostly. I found it difficult to accept the lies that continued in the family and the interactions that I would consider rude if I said these things to my family. I appreciate that this is the culture of Sri lanka that Rajith was describing so well. His descriptions were so real that I couldn't get past my dislike of the way they treat each other.
I would like to see more from this obviously talented writer but hope to not feel such distress in the family dynamics.
August 8, 2021
the very evident questions for today's generation?
Who was there for you when nobody was ? Who was there for you when you were starving to death ? Who recognizes you in the crowd ? Who cares for you so much that it forgets to eat or sleep without seeing your last glimpse? Who comes to your room after you are asleep; to check if you are okay ? Who is the one who wakes up hours before your school time just to wake you up on time ? Who is the one to tolerate all your ill treatment and still longs for your smile ? Who are ones living for you not for themselves ?
Parents are the soul of your existence. They can do anything to harm themselves just to protect you from getting hurt.
Who was there for you when nobody was ? Who was there for you when you were starving to death ? Who recognizes you in the crowd ? Who cares for you so much that it forgets to eat or sleep without seeing your last glimpse? Who comes to your room after you are asleep; to check if you are okay ? Who is the one who wakes up hours before your school time just to wake you up on time ? Who is the one to tolerate all your ill treatment and still longs for your smile ? Who are ones living for you not for themselves ?
Parents are the soul of your existence. They can do anything to harm themselves just to protect you from getting hurt.
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