Lament of the Dhobi Woman
Description
Seelawathie, a young, village girl is brought to the city to care for Cat, the daughter of a prominent Colombo family. With her parents involved with each other and their active social life, Cat soon comes to regard Seelawathie as her parent and best friend. They build their own happy microcosmic life within the large household, and are relatively content until Seelawathie falls in love. Her forbidden relationship challenges the rigid boundaries of society and leads to a cataclysmic end of innocence. The Lament of the Dhobi Woman explores the issue of class in Colombo society and the fragile intricacies of love and forgiveness.Promotion info
“ Seelawathie looked startled. When she looked at me, I saw her eyes were wounded. Her lips looked bloodless. She turned and left the room without another word or look. I turned on my mother.‘What did you say to her?’ I demanded. ‘I know you were being mean to her again! I know it. Why can’t you just leave her alone?’
I was beating my fist on the dining table as I spoke, making the small silver salt and pepper containers jump. A little coffee slopped into a saucer.
‘Control yourself.’ My mother’s voice was like a whiplash. I stopped. ‘I was merely giving her instructions about various things I want done. I obviously need to speak to her about your appalling lack of manners too.’
‘Uncle Rick just arrived. That’s what I came here to tell you,’ I said, making my own voice as cold as hers.
A carefully shaped eyebrow arched. ‘Has he, now. How interesting.’ At that moment I knew.”
Author description
Karen Roberts was born and raised in Colombo. She worked in advertising for several years in Colombo and Dubai. She is the author of The Flower Boy and July. This is her third novel. She lives in Southern California with her husband and children.Stock Information
General Fields
- : 9789558897188
- : Perera Hussein
- : Perera Hussein
- : books
Special Fields
- : 283
- : Karen Roberts
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