Colpetty People

by Ashok Ferrey

BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

207 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ashok Ferrey - Sri Lanka Born in Colombo, raised in East Africa, educated at a Benedictine monastery in the wilds of Sussex, Ferrey read Pure Maths at Christ Church Oxford, ending up (naturally) in Brixton, converting Victorian houses during the Thatcher Years.

He describes himself as a failed builder, indifferent mathematician, barman and personal trainer to the rich and infamous. Ferrey's Colpetty People was short-listed for the Gratiaen Prize in 2003.

His second book The Good Little Ceylonese Girl was published in December 2006. Today Ferrey continues to design houses, and is a guest lecturer at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architecture.

Reviews

[Meenu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book in the Jaipur Literature Festival when I came across its author, Ashok Ferrey . Having heard him as a speaker I was interested in becoming acquainted with his writing. I have to say the first couple of stories nearly compelled me not to pursue the book further. But being loathe to leaving a book unfinished I soldiered on. And that's when something happened. His writing slowly came alive and subtly drew me in from one story to the next. I started noticing the subtle, throwaway humour, the satire and the sharp wit . His writing has a certain flair and a personal style which makes for a very smooth and enjoyable read . The impact of various cultures that he has experienced and lived in, in his nomadic life , imparts a certain richness to his characters and stories as does his satirical observation of the south Asian diaspora . I look forward to discovering more of his work.

[Anda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A soothing, calm read. The book is composed of a series of short stories - simple, approachable snapshots, like photos in a family album. The theme is clear, Colpetty People (Colpetty, the sea-side neighbourhood of Colombo), but the ties between the tales are very loose. They all have to do with being Sri Lankan, and that's enough. In it's looseness, the book tells the strongest story of all - here are people living lives, they're all different and they are all familiar. I enjoyed this book, as a freshly arrived, reasonably long-term visitor, it was exactly what I wanted: a primer and a quick glimpse inside a few lives that may or may not have actually been lived. Stories that serve as a series of open windows to peak into and feel a little less lost in this density called Colombo.

[Ravindu Gamage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, that was fucking pointless.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book; hence the 3 stars. But, this book was just a collection of pointless scenarios which, I would say, are not representative of the actual Sri Lankan or the Copletty Culture. Ferry needs to get in touch with people before trying to write books of this nature. The stories had no depth and the humour was dry and disappointing.

Meh!

[Zahra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed when I realized this was actually a short story anthology rather than a book about Colpetty People and their idiosyncrasies. I’m generally not a fan of short story collections but I gave it a go.

Good satire on Sri Lankan culture but to be honest I don’t know much about the subject to judge its accuracy.

Every afternoon at five, Upali stepped out, razor-sharp in his Band Air Nike trainers, his Colvin R. Klein boxers with the waistband showing (important that) and his Dolce & Gampaha tee shirt

The little I know of Sri Lanka is probably limited to the Colpetty area (even going to Dehiwela seems like a journey to me but that’s Brunei’s influence alright). So I found it entirely amusing to hear of the vast differences between Colpetty Seaside and Landside (despite being separated by a strip of by-lanes) and of the McDonalds on Galle Road featuring strangely melancholy women in diamonds.

Seaside people seemed to spend their whole life going from christening to wedding to dhana, and work was the last thing on their minds

Ahem as someone on Colpetty Seaside I must regretfully decline to comment on these allegations.

However, while some stories were certainly vibrant, fun and sharply witty too many others simply weren’t fleshed out enough to make an impression in my mind. Also, I didn’t feel as if the book explored all aspects of cultures found in Sri Lanka or even Colpetty for that matter leading to a rather narrow picture.

[Laura Faludi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Crash course on Sri Lankan literature no. 2. Meh... like the world it depicts, surface without depth..with the occasional laugh.

[Dimantha (දිමන්ත) Polwatte (පොල්වත්ත) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colpetty People : Ashok Ferrey - A glimpse of the Colombo people

Suresh Mudannayake or Ashok Ferrey is a famous figure in the Colombo Sri Lankan English literary scene. He has written many short stories as well as novels based on an interesting writing style unique to him.

He was able to create a discourse in the Colombo literary scene on various topics that he had discussed in his novels and short stories on many platforms. (Digital and actual book reading events.)

Many of his short stories in the book "Colpetty People" reflects the psyche of the "Upper middle class and high class" people who live in Colombo Sri Lanka.

With a nostalgic writing style that collects memories and experiences of the writer himself, the book becomes a stylish book with colorful events and situations.

For me as an amateur reader though his writing style was unique was hard to understand.

But I enjoyed what the writer trying to say to the readers, that what is it to be Sri Lankan.

[Megara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have given up on Ashok Ferry. I'm just not going to bother reading any more of his boring work. Though, the Pink Elephant Boxers story was funny, I'll give him that.

[David Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashok Ferry's first series of short stories, based on characters he has found in a long established suburb not far from the Fort area. The well heeled, as well as urban strugglers rub shoulders with their servants, friends, and others in a mostly satirical, often sardonic review of the establishment and those around it, in Colombo.

Ferry has a wicked sense of humour poking fun at Kandian, landed gentry pretension; traditional landholders or their descendants surviving in reduced circumstances in Colombo; the 'nouveau riche' setting up a daughter's marriage, lost in translation, or transition, diaspora, trying to sort out life both inside and outside Sri Lanka; and the long suffering poor villagers or servants who in various ways are able to survive or 'get their own back'.

I enjoyed it a lot. Ferry is a master at creating stories which seem both ludicrous but believable. Characters are faintly reminiscent of Rowan Atkinson's 'Black Adder' and 'Baldrick', or Hyacinth Bucket and her colleagues in "Keeping up Appearances". His sharp eye and wit are both very evident in most tales. Especially recommended to those looking for humour which informs and gives a perhaps understanding of Sri Lanka's social history.

[Maliththa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s really hard to read a book about subject matter that you are familiar with. Anyway, that’s how it is for me. I keep noticing discrepancies, unauthentic statements, and sometimes just pure nonsense (I was thinking of a different word, my phone came up with nonsense)

But then what I have been telling myself repeatedly is, that this is probably their experience.
That the Sri lankans of different ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds live in the same era and area, yet live vastly different lives.
Ashok Ferrey apparently lives in Colombo. Yet his Colombo and Sri Lanka are not always the same as mine.
I couldn’t help thinking that if my literary inclined child wrote about Sri Lanka, his writing might be like this. He is growing up in Australia with very close connections with Sri Lanka.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed most of the stories. And I raise my hat to Ashok about the funeral description.
A grumble is for his use of the word “aboriginal”.

[Travis Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short stories by Ashok Ferrey set primarily in Sri Lanka and UK detailing the lives of different households and the odd scenarios they find themselves in. A number of the stories seems to be drawn on the authors own eclectic experiences he's had. The stories are very loosely connected and while each is very different, there is something familiar in it which many as Sri Lankans can relate to, from experiences at Sri Lankan funerals, parents concerns of unmarried children and migrants surviving in an unfamiliar environment. The humor at times is very subtle and has a throwaway quality to it and the writing style has a certain flair to it which makes it entertaining to read. Some of the stories were hits and misses and at times it was unclear what the time period of the stories were. However overall if your looking for a casual and quick read, would recommend it.

[Anna Magdalena · Rating 2 out of 5]

💥
Only just started discovering the Colombo literature scene and got my hands on Colpetty People - both because the title itself was quite attractive and I found it stacked next to Romesh Goonesekera and Nayomi Munaweera.

Colpetty People is a set of short stories with no depth. You’ll find the occassional laugh, but almost each and every one of the short stories in the collection was so dreary (apart from Agnes of God, which I throughly enjoyed). Also the collection of stories is so badly put together that the only reason why I soldiered on was that I loathed leaving a book unfinished.

For a book nominated for the Gratiaen prize, it was a huge disappointment. Should’ve packed the box of rich cake in the suitecase instead. Hope his novels are atleast a little better than this disaster.

[Thivanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read. A collection of short stories that will make you chuckle as well as contemplate, as they are direct reflections of life as it is in Sri Lanka. Only nitpick is there being no glossary of explanations provided for the myriad of local words sprinkled across the expanse of the stories. If you enjoy Carl Muller's works, you will enjoy this.

[Peter Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely series of vignettes about what it means to be Sri Lankan. Ferry is a master of small, subtle description, and his touches of humour are wonderful. If you have any connection with Sri Lanka at all, this is well worth reading.

[Ashendri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a ‘read whenever I finish an emotionally draining’ book book. Ferrey is a master of Sri Lankan social commentary so this book encapsulates the ridiculousness of it all! A fun, funny, relaxing read (that will probably only be understood by Sri Lankan people).

[Dinakar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gripping enough. They won't catch your attention to keep you engaged with the book. I'm a binge reader and finishes the book by reading it continuously if I like it. U did not feel that way with this book

[Sue Suranganie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relatability of some of the characters made reading this enjoyable for me. I also enjoy Ashok Ferrey's style of writing and his unique type of humor. For someone who has lived away from Sri Lanka for the last 30 years, this was a very refreshing read.

[Shamim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of short stories. Vivid, warm and humorous, with a sharp, cynical and keen eye for detail. The stories are haphazard and have no connection but the ties back to Sri Lanka, especially from the viewpoint of emigrants is insightful. But good light reading on a holiday.

[Soo Meng · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was easy to read. The author writes with a unique voice and a very lively sense of humour, and the characters in his stories are consistently interesting. A good intro to Sri Lankan English-medium literature.

[Amna the_book_witch_of_hogwarts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Witty and Satirical.

Ashok has explored certain aspects of the Sri Lankan culture through the short stories from Colpetty People. I enjoyed the read. Initially you feel disconnected But his writing grows on you. A fun and enjoyable read! 🙌🏻

[theriverdays · Rating 2 out of 5]

'The perfect House' and 'Love' are fine. Amidst the overrated criticisms, he just wants to be witty. :)

[Hashan Alwis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing collection of short stories from a great Sri lankan Author.

[Supriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

highly enjoyable - brings the setting and the people and the events alive!

[Kumari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This s good

[Ranmali Kirinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of short stories giving a glimpse into Sri Lankan lives.

[Anshuman Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved the way ..it expressed the life and times of an adjacent culture ...
So similar yet so distinct ..
However what remains vastly common are the deeply rooted lines of class and caste ..with an ardent desire to migrate away for a better life ..better opportunities ...

[El25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 simple stories with glimpses on different characters life, perception etc. Entertaining book with giggles once in a while.

[Nadhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and that made me feel a bit mean. Make of it what you will.

[The Book Nazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while I was browsing through the Library, I snatched the book and quickly checked it out. I had heard a lt of praise about Ferrey and his Book ''Colpetty People'' but never had a chance to read it.

I read the book within a day.The stories in Colpetty People are simple on first read, but with resonant depths and undeniable truth. they've stayed with me, and I'm planning on rereading the collection again. I can't seem to pick a favorite, but honestly, I can't choose; so many are charming and funny, that it's impossible to pick between them. The tales aren't confined to Colombo, Most of them takes place in Africa and England.

The Characters like Playboy Jiggy, English teaching Romesh, Imperialist Catherine de silva, Walauwe Kumarihami, Ashok's once Servent Agness who made the best damn crab filling on earth.. will no doubt stay with you, and I believe that Ashok Knows most of them even though he claims this book to be fiction. There are a few stories about Ashok Ferrey too, one where he had to go through a lot of trouble to extract the rent from a German woman whom he had rented his mansion to.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book in all it's simplicity and if anyone is saying it sucks, that person is simply looking for some attension.

[Senura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was eager to read this because lately I've been discovering the Sri Lankan literature scene.
I was recommended this so when I found this in the library, I couldn't believe my luck.

But frankly, this book left me with a sense of disappointment.
Yes the stories are clever, sardonic and very witty, but the whole book is badly put together.
The stories don't have any flow from one to another and this feels like a random collection of short stories.

For a book nominated for the Graetian Prize, I expected better. The stories were well written and only a few felt boring. My fault is with the whole book itself as the short stories just don't meld together as a collection.

I want to read one of his novels.

[Ayesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferry isn't a creator of magnificent and hilarious characters but a very good observer of real life comedians that roam all about us. It's lucky someone is keeping a watchful eye (and setting it all down on paper) for the rest of us to enjoy. I absolutely loved this book, even more after leaving Colombo several years ago. Definitely a fav!