Diasporic writings represent an important component of the world literature. In the modern multicultural societies, the diasporic literature has an impact on both the migrant and indigenous communities. Such writings provide a rare opening into the minds of migrants, their complex emotions, triumphs, and failures. The diasporic literature often deals with nostalgia, culture shock, discrimination, and alienation which are issues unique to the immigrant communities.
Dr. Pushpa Suriyaarachchi belongs to the genre of modern diasporic writers of Sri Lankan origin. In her book, “Lost in Floral Rain”, she portrays the journey of a medical student in Sri Lanka. Not surprisingly, nostalgia is a strong element of this novella. Though this book is fictional, it is possible that some of the author’s own experiences may have influenced the story.
The novella starts with a usual hospital ward round of Kusum, a Sri Lankan immigrant doctor working in Sydney. Her eyes catch the sight of a blooming Jacaranda tree. The flowers fall like rain, bringing back her memories from childhood and adolescence in Sri Lanka. Piecing together those memoirs, the author masterfully crafts the life journey of a girl from Sri Lanka.
Kusum is a girl born to an upper middle class family in Central Sri Lanka. Her mother is a teacher and Kusum enjoys a happy childhood. However, their peaceful lives are shattered due to political violence which marred the Sri Lankan society in the 1970s. Kusum’s family becomes a victim of political rivalry following an election in the country and her mother gets transferred to a remote school as a punishment. Separation from her mother is a traumatic experience for the little girl. However, she overcomes many challenges on her way to becoming a medical doctor.
While taking us through Kusum’s journey, the author masterfully paints the background picture of socio-political turmoils of the contemporary Sri Lankan society in the 1970s and 1980s. She describes the violence following general elections and victimisation of the supporters of the opposition which unfortunately has become a norm after the 1970s. We also get glimpses of the student agitations within universities in the turbulent era of the 1980s. The author could have enriched the story further by incorporating more on student, ethnic, and political violence during that bleak period of the Sri Lankan history.
This novella flows smoothly, more like a poem. The chapters based on childhood memoirs are particularly well written. The stories of sailing paper boats and chasing rabbits take us back to our own childhood. Though this story is fictional, the nostalgia is very strong and it runs through the entire storyline connecting all memoirs. However, one might feel that the end is somewhat abrupt.
The author uses symbolism very effectively. The story begins and ends with a hospital ward round, a key feature of a hospital doctor’s life. There are references to flowers throughout the story in a symbolic way and it has a soothing impact. We can feel the gradual maturity in thinking as Kusum advances from her childhood into the adolescence.
It is evident that Dr. Suriyaarachchi is gifted with a lyrical style of writing. The language is simple, yet colourful and elegant. This novella will particularly touch the hearts of those generations of the 1970s and 80s, but the story certainly transcends the age boundary and all readers will enjoy its beauty. This is a book you will read in one sitting and then reminisce again and again.
Associate Professor Udaya Seneviratne, Consultant Neurologist, Melbourne, Australia
Copies from the second print of the novel "Lost in Floral Rain" are available for sale in Australia. Those who are willing to purchase a copy are kindly requested to refer to information given in the following location: https://lostinfloralrain.blogspot.com/2023/05/how-to-buy-copy-of-lost-in-floral-rain.html
All revenue raised from the sale of "Lost in Floral rain" will be used for the charity named "Project Home Owl". For details of "Project Home Owl" charity please visit: https://lostinfloralrain.blogspot.com/2019/05/introducing-project-home-owl-charity.html
For details contact: pushpa.suriyaarachchi@yahoo.com.au.
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