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He Called Me Arielle
“All your pain and suffering will end in minutes if you just jump... you won't ever have to endure pain again... ever...”
To the world, Arielle Davidson seems to have it all...
She is a world-famous philanthropist, successful musician and the daughter of a Sri Lankan millionaire, adored and admired by many.
But Arielle has a secret...a skeleton in her closet, that she’s moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be?
Will her story of courage and love in the face of overwhelming odds, kindle hope in Jayani?
Will her life transform?
Or will this be the biggest mistake of Arielle’s life?
"Beautiful piece of work. The story is compelling, and Arielle is a lovely character; one that young girls aspire to be. The harshness of her life and the unfairness of her peers is something every girl can identify with." -- Amenthi Dabare, Consultant Editor.
"In a world where children face many hardships from rejection, identity issues to abuse; this book shows that no matter what you go through it doesn't define you. Just because your start wasn't great doesn't mean your future will be also - there's hope for us all!"
-- Maneesha Benedict, Youth Counselor
To the world, Arielle Davidson seems to have it all...
She is a world-famous philanthropist, successful musician and the daughter of a Sri Lankan millionaire, adored and admired by many.
But Arielle has a secret...a skeleton in her closet, that she’s moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be?
Will her story of courage and love in the face of overwhelming odds, kindle hope in Jayani?
Will her life transform?
Or will this be the biggest mistake of Arielle’s life?
"Beautiful piece of work. The story is compelling, and Arielle is a lovely character; one that young girls aspire to be. The harshness of her life and the unfairness of her peers is something every girl can identify with." -- Amenthi Dabare, Consultant Editor.
"In a world where children face many hardships from rejection, identity issues to abuse; this book shows that no matter what you go through it doesn't define you. Just because your start wasn't great doesn't mean your future will be also - there's hope for us all!"
-- Maneesha Benedict, Youth Counselor
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2020
10 people want to read
About the author
Chamathka Gamage
1 book7 followersChamathka Gamage (Kangara) was born and raised in the Western Province of Sri Lanka during the devastating civil war that tore up the beautiful island nation. She first set foot on foreign soil in her late teens, shortly after the war officially ended.
She lived in Slippery Rock (USA) and Tokyo (Japan) where she graduated from Temple University. In her mid-twenties, she returned to Sri Lanka.
During this season, Chamathka vividly recalls the 2018 communal violence, 2019 "Easter bombings", followed by the COVID-19-induced economic & political upheaval that rocked the nation's peace and stability.
Her debut novel "He Called Me Arielle" was published during this time.
In 2022, at the height of the fuel crisis, riots and curfews in Sri Lanka, Chamathka married her handsome king, who captured her heart from the Baltics. Currently, she lives with him in Tokyo, occupied with building their dreams.
She lived in Slippery Rock (USA) and Tokyo (Japan) where she graduated from Temple University. In her mid-twenties, she returned to Sri Lanka.
During this season, Chamathka vividly recalls the 2018 communal violence, 2019 "Easter bombings", followed by the COVID-19-induced economic & political upheaval that rocked the nation's peace and stability.
Her debut novel "He Called Me Arielle" was published during this time.
In 2022, at the height of the fuel crisis, riots and curfews in Sri Lanka, Chamathka married her handsome king, who captured her heart from the Baltics. Currently, she lives with him in Tokyo, occupied with building their dreams.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 21, 2021
I picked this one up quite happily. I always feel a certain rush of adrenaline when I pick up books from Sri Lankan authors. A sense of an attachment. Finally seeing familiar names and places gives a melancholic but happy feeling. But for me this book just did not work. Rather than the Sri Lanka of the early 2000’s, the reader gets a fantasized Sri Lanka that is on par with the western culture that never was the reality. Sri Lankan children back then did not carry brown paper bags filled with Peanut butter sandwiches, Sri Lankan students (even in international schools) did not line up in cafeterias, Sri Lanka students did not have plastic chairs and be seated separately. There were so many incidents that were not consistent with our culture, the initial excitement I had for the book slowly chipped off leaving a sad feeling of being compared to something that I did not like being compared. In comparison I really liked other Sri Lankan books such as those of Selvadurai’s which really showed the authentic Sri Lanka.
Not only that but the plot despite being engaging fell flat. The ending was rushed. As soon as I started enjoying the book, I felt that it did not reach the climax even though it finally started accelerating to reach a certain pace. Also I really do hope the genre of Christian novel should be included as that is clearly part of the book. If not it will be misleading as I was confused for that element being added suddenly.
Lastly I want to apologize in any way if my review comes off too strong. It is never my intention to make the author feel belittled or such by my reviews. This is purely my personal opinion. I really do appreciate anyone who takes the chance to write and come out of their shell. As merely a reader I always admire any author out there. The difference in opinions when it comes to books is like when some like cheese and other does not. In the end you cannot reach everyone’s hearts. I hope that the author herself would not give up and continue writing. I want to end this review with praying for the best for her and her future works.
Not only that but the plot despite being engaging fell flat. The ending was rushed. As soon as I started enjoying the book, I felt that it did not reach the climax even though it finally started accelerating to reach a certain pace. Also I really do hope the genre of Christian novel should be included as that is clearly part of the book. If not it will be misleading as I was confused for that element being added suddenly.
Lastly I want to apologize in any way if my review comes off too strong. It is never my intention to make the author feel belittled or such by my reviews. This is purely my personal opinion. I really do appreciate anyone who takes the chance to write and come out of their shell. As merely a reader I always admire any author out there. The difference in opinions when it comes to books is like when some like cheese and other does not. In the end you cannot reach everyone’s hearts. I hope that the author herself would not give up and continue writing. I want to end this review with praying for the best for her and her future works.
October 12, 2022
I love reading books by Sri Lankan authors. When I received this book as a gift I was so excited. The book was simple and fast paced. The only thing that made me uncomfortable was how the author has portrayed the Sri Lankan backdrop in an unusually contrasting way. It felt as if I was reading a dystopian novel. Overall I loved the book. I wish they had highlighted the genre as a christian fiction so that the readers could easily pick it up.
May 21, 2020
Excellent
September 7, 2023
I highly recommend this book to people who have got bullied and who are going through tough situations.
The story is not a fairy tale but more like real life situations that teenagers go through.
As a guy when I read this book, I realized it shows different aspects from a girl's point of view; how they feel things when they are teens. This book brings a light not only for girls- but also for people who haven't thought about how words and behaviors can affect another person.
As a believer, I'm happy to see the beautiful touch that's given by the author, that there is no greater love than Jesus
The story is not a fairy tale but more like real life situations that teenagers go through.
As a guy when I read this book, I realized it shows different aspects from a girl's point of view; how they feel things when they are teens. This book brings a light not only for girls- but also for people who haven't thought about how words and behaviors can affect another person.
As a believer, I'm happy to see the beautiful touch that's given by the author, that there is no greater love than Jesus
April 24, 2020
Warning: could be triggering.
🦄🦄🦄
‘Courage is not about being fearless but choosing to do the right thing even when you’re afraid.’
🦄🦄🦄
Arielle Davidson has always has it all, daughter of a millionaire, famous musician and loved by many.
But, when she meets a little girl named Jayani at an orphanage, she reveals secrets thatshe has not told anyone at all.
What would compel her to make such a decision?
🦄🦄🦄
He Called Me Arielle is a fictional novel by Chamathka Gamage.
This story covers many issues that children may face as they grow up; bullying, abuse and even divorce.
Arielle, the main character talks about her journey to where she is today and how all the hardships she has faced led her to way she is today in life.
That's the main moral of this story, don't let anyone of anything bring you down. This is the game of life, and no matter what is thrown at you, you can overcome it and move past it to become a better version of yourself.
The book also focuses on religion and how prayers can be a driving force because, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened for you.
At the end of the day, you control your future and do what's right for you, the rest will fall into place.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 9.5/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
‘Courage is not about being fearless but choosing to do the right thing even when you’re afraid.’
🦄🦄🦄
Arielle Davidson has always has it all, daughter of a millionaire, famous musician and loved by many.
But, when she meets a little girl named Jayani at an orphanage, she reveals secrets thatshe has not told anyone at all.
What would compel her to make such a decision?
🦄🦄🦄
He Called Me Arielle is a fictional novel by Chamathka Gamage.
This story covers many issues that children may face as they grow up; bullying, abuse and even divorce.
Arielle, the main character talks about her journey to where she is today and how all the hardships she has faced led her to way she is today in life.
That's the main moral of this story, don't let anyone of anything bring you down. This is the game of life, and no matter what is thrown at you, you can overcome it and move past it to become a better version of yourself.
The book also focuses on religion and how prayers can be a driving force because, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened for you.
At the end of the day, you control your future and do what's right for you, the rest will fall into place.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 9.5/10
Melina L.
April 23, 2020
💞He Called Me Arielle💞
To the world, Arielle Davidson seems to have it all. She is a world-famous philanthropist, successful musician and the daughter of a Sri Lankan millionaire, adored and admired by many.
But Arielle has a secret...a skeleton in her closet, that she’s moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be?
.
💞Arielle is magic, she is strong and brave. She has survived all the demons in her past and she still stands so strong. The book revolves specifically around Ari, though he has it all but she is empty, the book also taught me that money can't bring and love. Also, when it comes parenting, parents love cannot replace anything in the world, that's the most beautiful yet important aspect of any brat's life. Also, a bad childhood with many triggering memories can impact the future of the individual.
.
The book is not just strong and thrilling but it's also extremely deep, dark and emotional. From the very beginning, it caught my attention. Ari's character is extremely well built, she is a girl one would love to be but with a different circumstances, I think. It's different as well as inspiring.
.
The way author brought Jayani, it was again amazingly done. The language turns from light to dark and to intense. This is something which is impacting, beautiful and something that will make you think. I will definitely recommend it.
.
Rating: 4 🌟
To the world, Arielle Davidson seems to have it all. She is a world-famous philanthropist, successful musician and the daughter of a Sri Lankan millionaire, adored and admired by many.
But Arielle has a secret...a skeleton in her closet, that she’s moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be?
.
💞Arielle is magic, she is strong and brave. She has survived all the demons in her past and she still stands so strong. The book revolves specifically around Ari, though he has it all but she is empty, the book also taught me that money can't bring and love. Also, when it comes parenting, parents love cannot replace anything in the world, that's the most beautiful yet important aspect of any brat's life. Also, a bad childhood with many triggering memories can impact the future of the individual.
.
The book is not just strong and thrilling but it's also extremely deep, dark and emotional. From the very beginning, it caught my attention. Ari's character is extremely well built, she is a girl one would love to be but with a different circumstances, I think. It's different as well as inspiring.
.
The way author brought Jayani, it was again amazingly done. The language turns from light to dark and to intense. This is something which is impacting, beautiful and something that will make you think. I will definitely recommend it.
.
Rating: 4 🌟
June 21, 2020
To the world, Arielle Davidson seems to have it all... She is a world-famous philanthropist, successful musician and the daughter of a Sri Lankan millionaire, adored and admired by many.
But Arielle has a secret... a skeleton in her closet, that she's moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be? Will her story of courage and love in the face of overwhelming odds, kindle hope in Jayani? Will her life transform? Or will this be the biggest mistake of Arielle's life?
This novel is a compelling story of growing up and away from a childhood of abuse, bullying and psychological torment.
But Arielle has a secret... a skeleton in her closet, that she's moved to share with Jayani, an orphan with a painful past.
Is Arielle really all that she seems to be? Will her story of courage and love in the face of overwhelming odds, kindle hope in Jayani? Will her life transform? Or will this be the biggest mistake of Arielle's life?
This novel is a compelling story of growing up and away from a childhood of abuse, bullying and psychological torment.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews