Echoes of Love and Life in May Mara Prasangaya

 

It seems my mind won’t stop echoing the books I’ve read. Hence, I thought of unmuting the ripples of thought that originated after reading the shortest Sinhala novel I’ve come across—May Mara Prasangaya by Mahinda Prasad Masimbula. 

The story is narrated in the first person point of view, and I later learned that it was based on true events that the author experienced in the late '90s in Demodara.

What touched me most was the writer’s ability to convert regular daily incidents, which would have been mundane in one's mind, into stunning, remarkable moments that left a lasting impact on the reader. He achieves this through the character Saminda Athulasiri, who has a unique perspective on life. Through Saminda’s eyes, the author breathes life into inanimate objects and connects the reader with the beauty of the world. As the author mentions at the end of the book, his worldview and use of language were profoundly shaped by the brief time he spent with Saminda. Saminda's perception of the world reminded me of similar characters from childhood storybooks like Anne from Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, and Laura from The Little House series.

It was truly a memorable reading experience, something I never expected from an original Sinhala novel.

The book tells an epic story of one-sided love, which made me question the nature of love as we know it. Saminda shares a deep affection for Sancharani, a girl he has never even spoken to. Yet, he doesn't seem to be bothered by that fact, as he enjoys the memories and thoughts he has of her. His unselfish love is both heartbreaking and inspiring, leaving readers wondering about the true nature of love and selflessness. Despite never having the chance to express his feelings directly, Saminda’s devotion to Sancharani is proof of the enduring power of love in its purest form. In a world where such selfless love is increasingly rare, it leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

The good news for fans of the book is that it will soon be adapted into a movie!