Book Review : Suncatcher by Romesh Gunesekaran

By Murtaza Kuwarawala -
Title - Suncatcher

 Author - Romesh Gunesekara

 Genre - Coming of Age Historical Fiction

 So this is my first venture with a book based in Sri Lanka and I must say this was pretty impressive. Most of the coming of age books that I have come across these days had been revolving around fantasy but hardly I have come across books that even revolves around the political turmoil in the country and Suncatcher is one of them.

 'Suncatcher' by Romesh Gunesekara is a story of bonding and friendship between two young boys Jay and Kairo during the year 1964 when Sri Lanka was under troubled times. The two of them are as different from one another as Chalk and Cheese and yet are bonded with each other as glue and paper. Jay, a born naturalist loves birds and fishes and dreams of a natural home for the birds across the country. Kairo, an introvert kid, has his life changed and his thoughts expanded when he meets Jay. This coming of age story talks about their evolving friendship and how their equation varies as the time goes by.

Talking about the book, this book is poignant and explores the human emotions in so many varieties. We see a range of characters from one being revolutionary to another being socialist to someone who is extrovert and the jealousy inducing hormones, we get to see it all. This book did start off giving me a Darius is not great vibe, but as we read further, we are pulled into the beautiful world by the author who had once been shortlisted for Man Booker Prize as well.

So, would I recommend this book? If you haven't realised it by now with the review, here is my answer in just three words. Go for it.

Ratings - 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (4.5 stars out of 5)

 Book in Few Words - Thought Provoking and Brilliant

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