Romesh Gunesekera

Full Name and Common Aliases

Romesh Gunesekera is a Sri Lankan-born British novelist, non-fiction writer, and essayist.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on December 15, 1951, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Gunesekera's exact date of passing is not publicly recorded.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Gunesekera holds dual nationalities: British and Sri Lankan. He works primarily as a novelist and essayist but has also been involved in various other creative pursuits, including scriptwriting for television and film.

Early Life and Background

Raised in the midst of Ceylon's tumultuous period, Gunesekera's early life was marked by significant historical events that would later influence his writing. His father, a civil servant, played a key role in promoting English education in Sri Lanka. This exposure to Western culture had a profound impact on young Romesh, shaping both his perspective and the themes he would explore in his work.

Gunesekera moved to England at the age of 21, where he began writing seriously. His first novel, "Reef," published in 1994, marked a significant milestone in his career. The book's unique blend of narrative styles and its exploration of cultural identity resonated with readers worldwide.

Major Accomplishments

Gunesekera's literary achievements are numerous, but several stand out:

Awards: "Reef" won the Booker Prize nomination in 1994, a testament to his innovative storytelling.
Influence: His work has been translated into more than 20 languages, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal.
* Academic Recognition: Gunesekera holds a position as an Honorary Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Notable Works or Actions

Some of his notable works include:

1. "Reef" (1994): A debut novel that explores themes of identity and belonging through the story of a young woman's journey.
2. "The Match" (2006): A collection of short stories that examine the lives of Sri Lankan expatriates in England.
3. "Noontide Toll" (2011): A novel set during the early years of British colonial rule in Ceylon, exploring themes of power and identity.

Impact and Legacy

Gunesekera's writing has made significant contributions to literature, both in terms of its representation of diverse cultures and its exploration of complex themes. His work continues to be widely read and studied, offering insights into the experiences of Sri Lankan diasporic communities.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Gunesekera's unique voice and perspective have cemented his place as a notable figure in contemporary literature. His commitment to exploring complex themes through innovative storytelling has earned him recognition as both an author and a scholar.

Quotes by Romesh Gunesekera

I could see the meal was going to be a success even before anyone had taken a single mouthful: the mood was right, and mood, I am convinced, is the most essential ingredient for any taste to develop. Taste is not a product of the mouth; it lies entirely in the mind.

I could see the meal was going to be a success even before anyone had taken a single mouthful: the mood was right, and mood, I am convinced, is the most essential ingredient for any taste to develop. Taste is not a product of the mouth; it lies entirely in the mind.

Romesh Gunesekera

When it is just yourself you can put things off, you can do away with things; when you have to serve only yourself sometimes you let yourself off: there are no obligations.

When it is just yourself you can put things off, you can do away with things; when you have to serve only yourself sometimes you let yourself off: there are no obligations.

Romesh Gunesekera

I carry more than dreams. There is so much in my head I wonder how I will ever get it out. How do I do it before it is too late? Before I forget what has happened, what I saw, what I thought, what I believed on all those journeys north and south. The hopes, the aspirations, the secret guilt embedded in our shaken lives. Before I give up on the stories that make us who we are and drift with the tide into oblivion like very other sleepy grey head in the world.

I carry more than dreams. There is so much in my head I wonder how I will ever get it out. How do I do it before it is too late? Before I forget what has happened, what I saw, what I thought, what I believed on all those journeys north and south. The hopes, the aspirations, the secret guilt embedded in our shaken lives. Before I give up on the stories that make us who we are and drift with the tide into oblivion like very other sleepy grey head in the world.

Romesh Gunesekera

I like to know about the world beyond our shores. About faraway countries where people behave differently. I like to hear about their food and customs. How they deal with the cold and the rain. What it is like to drive on the other side of the road.

I like to know about the world beyond our shores. About faraway countries where people behave differently. I like to hear about their food and customs. How they deal with the cold and the rain. What it is like to drive on the other side of the road.

Romesh Gunesekera

My novels take much longer to write than they should, partly because I find I cannot decide on the best POV to use until I have written the novel. Only after I know the whole story am I able to work out how best to tell it. And that in turn changes the story. It is a long and laborious process and I haven’t found a short cut.

My novels take much longer to write than they should, partly because I find I cannot decide on the best POV to use until I have written the novel. Only after I know the whole story am I able to work out how best to tell it. And that in turn changes the story. It is a long and laborious process and I haven’t found a short cut.

Romesh Gunesekera