Loved this book. Quick read about a boy and his grandma filling a puzzle through their life experiences. Takes you to the lankan village life and the beauty of it.
I should begin by stating that I am not the intended audience of this particular book, and hence was able have an idea about where the story might lead at the end, when I read the first few pages. It does explore the wonderful and heartwarming bond between the narrator and his grandmother in great detail, which reminded me of my late grandmother as well. The story tackles some complex emotions and ideas in a very subtle manner, and I think a young adult audience would definitely enjoy it more than I did. Nevertheless, this did not feel as satisfactory of a read as the previous works of the author.
ඔබ ඉදිරියෙහි ඇති ප්රහේලිකාව ගැන සිතන්න ඔබට උදව් කිරීමට වචන මග බලාගෙන හිදී… Life is similar to a crossword puzzle. Think about the crossword puzzle in front of you. Words will help you… Keep calm, and you’ll get the word you need at the time you ought to get it. You will be a successful person if you solve the life’s crossword puzzle. Taking the right decisions at the right time, and taking one step at a time. Everything has an end. It’s the nature of life. Remember, words have life. Words are just like humans.
This is one of the most heart-warming stories I’ve read. The bond between a child and his grandmother, the way they solve the crossword puzzle. I’d give five stars for the plot, the characters and everything else. But the book was too short, I actually needed some more… I started reading this today, and finished it today! Heart-warming!! The crossword puzzle of your life can be tricky at times. Life is similar to a crossword puzzle. Think about the crossword puzzle in front of you. Words will help you…
Apoiyyāva is a tender Sinhala young adult fiction that gently unravels the simple beauty of rural life through the heartfelt bond between a grandmother and her grandson. The story revolves around a unique paper puzzle they complete; not with numbers or patterns, but with everyday words they speak to each other. These words, each holding meaning and memory, become pieces of a bigger picture: their shared life, community and the rhythm of village living.
Masimbula beautifully captures the warmth of multigenerational love, the innocence of childhood and the richness of rural simplicity. Through minimal words and subtle storytelling, the novel evokes deep emotion and reflection. It’s a soft, nostalgic reminder that life’s truest pleasures often come from the smallest, most ordinary moments.
📖 A short read, yet deeply touching. 💭 Perfect for readers who enjoy stories that speak quietly but stay with you long after. 🏡 A love letter to village life and the spoken language that connects generations.
The book is narrated around a boy following "special education" in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka.
The boy fills a puzzle that was published in a newspaper with the help of his grand mother. She had not received a formal education, but has learnt so much more by being close to nature all her life and being attentive.
The writer explains how they filled each word in the puzzle with different stories of the boy's and the grand mother's expériences.
Short read, but really nice writing and fair descriptions, mostly about the rural beauty of Sri Lanka. Plot: A teenage boy discovers many new things along with his kiriamma (grandma) in the process of filling in a puzzle for a contest. The first book I've read from the well known author, Mahinda Prasad Masimbula. Recommend for young-adult audience, but nevertheless, anyone can read and enjoy!
Nice story based on a boy and his grandmother filling out a puzzle for a competition based on real life experience from a village lifestyle. Short story, nicely combined with real life examples.