Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is a masterpiece novel by Shehan Karunatilaka. It is a fascinating story of a retired sports journalist, W. G. Karunasena, who is on a mission to find out the greatest cricketer that Sri Lanka has ever produced, Pradeep Mathew, also known as "Chinaman". The novel is a blend of fiction and reality, where the author has brilliantly portrayed the life of a cricketer in Sri Lanka and the struggles that he faces to achieve success.
The novel takes the reader on a journey through the life of Pradeep Mathew, a cricketer who was never given the recognition that he deserved. W. G. Karunasena, the narrator of the story, is obsessed with finding out the truth about Pradeep Mathew, and his obsession takes him to various places in Sri Lanka, where he meets people who knew Mathew and who can provide him with information about his life.
The story is set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka's cricketing history, and the author has brilliantly weaved in the politics of the country, the civil war, and the struggles of the people of Sri Lanka. The author has also skillfully brought out the importance of cricket in the lives of the people of Sri Lanka and how it has become a way of life for them.
One of the most striking features of the novel is the writing style of the author. The author has used a unique narrative style, where the story is told through the eyes of W. G. Karunasena, who is a flawed character. The author has brilliantly portrayed the character of Karunasena, who is an alcoholic and has lost his job due to his addiction. The character is relatable and adds a human touch to the story.
The author has also used humor in the novel, which adds to the charm of the story. The humor is subtle, and it blends seamlessly with the story. The author has also used cricketing terms and anecdotes in the story, which will be appreciated by cricket lovers.
In conclusion, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is a must-read for all cricket lovers and anyone who is interested in Sri Lanka's history and culture. The author has brilliantly portrayed the life of a cricketer and the struggles that he faces to achieve success. The writing style of the author is unique and adds to the charm of the story. Overall, it is a well-crafted novel that will keep the reader engaged till the very end.
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