රැජින

by මොහාන් රාජ් මඩවල

289 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Thevuni Kotigala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical realism is the author’s signature style of storytelling, and this book too show characteristics of magical realism. History combined with magical realism creates a wonderful narration in the book. Content of the book shine a light on Sri Lanka’s first ever queen Anula. Somehow I feel like there is a lot of similarities between Queen Anula & President Chandrika; both who are labeled as sexually driven women. The history has dehumanize them both and limited their characters to sexuality. The author makes a splendid attempt to create a new narrative about Anula and centralize their character around love. I’m gladly choosing author’s version of Anula over the version presented by Sri Lanka’s historical texts such as Mahavamsa, because I do not believe in the patriarchal narration that dehumanizes women. When one bring facts together and connect the dots, it is obvious that Anula has to be more than just a sexual-animal. The book also discuss about those who hide behind ‘robes’ and use their privileged status as ‘Buddhist monks’ to gain immunity for many crimes they commit. Centuries later, Sri Lanka still suffer from the same issue where Sinhalese-Buddhist nationalistic sentiments are used for political agendas to create rivalries among communities. This book highlights how those who use the nationalistic agenda, cares less about protecting Sinhalese/ Buddhism and care more about their own political gains. The book is an eye-opener on how those who are in power find it difficult to take actions against those self-proclaimed ‘monks’ who spread racism & religious intolerance, as it will be labeled as state-sponsored violence & discrimination against Buddhism. The book proves that, to this day many have politically gained from the inferiority complex of the Sinhalese and we still haven’t found a solution. Good read.

[Rash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction surrounding the first queen of Sri Lanka, Queen Anula. History as we know it depicts her as a dark queen who killed many kings who married her to gain power, by poisoning them.

[Asitha Warnakulasooriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has an amazing flow to this story. I read it within two days. I never do that if isn't interesting. It gave me the pleasure that I want after reading a book.