Learning to Fly

by Shehani Gomes

A contemporary, sensitive novel about growing up in Colombo. Innovative writing style.

Genres: Fiction

183 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kaushalya · Rating 1 out of 5]

In my view, This book does not deserve even a single star. I do not know why this book was even short listed for the Graetian Prize.But the judges however made the correct decision by not bestowing the honour of the prestigious prize on this nonsensical jumble of absurd. There is no proper storyline except a lot of nonsense and a set of bizarre disjointed conversations that really gets in to the reader's nerve at one point. I tried not to lose faith in this book and keep on reading. After all, there was much hype about it. But at one point (which was no further than chapter 6) I got really irritated and started to wonder why bother at all?! This is a simple story about coming of age and falling in love. Why make it so confusing and complicated? Alas! this book's glory proved to be nothing but yet another occurrence of the 'Naked Emperor Phenomenon'.

Utterly Disappointing!

[Kokila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was quite uncomfortable for me to read since the author switches from one scene to the next very abruptly. However, I must give credit to the way she explains the thoughts of the main character, Kala.

[Tmny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disjointed story, un-relatable characters, bizarre use of language. Horrible. If I could give it zero stars, I would.