Reading is one of my hobbies; I enjoy reading books not only in my childhood but even today. I have read so many books over the years, but one that I like to read again and again is ‘Gamperaliya’ by Martin Wickramasinghe a famous writer in Sri Lanka. Even though I generally read translations, Gamperaliya holds a unique place in my heart because the way it depicts family, love, tradition, and change is timeless.

_{Designed by Canva}

It's a timeless story that captures the essence of Sri Lankan village life and the transformations brought about by urbanization. Even after reading it multiple times, I always find something new to admire.

_{Image source}

I admire Wickramasinghe's way of describing ordinary people's lives, changing family relationships, and a strong connection to nature. Characters like 'Nanda" and "Piyal" live in our hearts long after we have finished reading them, as they simply show the hardship and beauty of village life.

Martin Wickramasinghe’s language is very simple yet powerful and anyone can understand the story and connect with it without too much effort. Not only the plot of Gamperaliya but also the stirring emotions of that story persuaded me to reread it. It demonstrates to us how simple our villages are and how things have evolved over the years. Every time I read that book; I feel like I'm revisiting an old friend.

The plot of the story is as follows. Piyal teaches English to Anula and Nanda, Kaisharuwattha Muhandiram 's daughters, in their ancestral house, Maha Gedara. Priyal has fallen in love with Nanda, but her father refuses to marry them because Nanda comes from the high caste 'Govigama' family. Instead, she is given to married Jinadasa Lamahewa who comes from a high-cast family. Then Piyal leaves the village to get a job with Colombo and become wealthy.

After a couple of years, her father died, and the family’s financial situation deteriorated. Jinadasa leaves for Sinhale for business, while her brother Tissa goes to Colombo to find a job, after finishing his higher education.

Years passed, and Piyal returned to the village as the owner of a large bungalow in Colombo. Piyal and Nanda reunite when Nanda, her mother, and sister accompany Piyal and his mother on a pilgrimage. Jinadasa dies after his business fails and he runs out of money. Later, Piyal marries Nanda in a European-style wedding and moves to his bungalow in Colombo.

When you read such a favorite book again, and again, you get a sense of comfort. It is like listening to a favorite song, it’s never got old. Regardless of how many times I read that book, it inspires me continuously and deepens my love for Sri Lankan literature. I am sure that I will read this book again and again, several times before I die.

Invite to
@josepha
@drhira
@solperez

Contest link👈.

Thank you for reading my post.