Chinaman

Book • 2010
'Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew' by Shehan Karunatilaka is a vibrant and unconventional novel that blends cricket, mystery, and Sri Lankan culture.

The story revolves around W. G. Karunasena, an aging, alcoholic sports journalist, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the story of Pradeep Mathew, a forgotten and enigmatic Sri Lankan cricketer.

Through Karunasena's humorous and often unreliable narration, the novel explores themes of national identity, memory, and the complexities of truth.

The narrative weaves together anecdotes, interviews, and imagined scenarios, creating a rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life and the enduring power of cricket.

'Chinaman' is celebrated for its unique voice and its ability to capture the spirit of a nation through the lens of its favorite sport.

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Paul Giles
as the best cricket novel of recent times, organized around a journalist's investigation into the life of a fictional character.
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Chris Sidoti
as one of the cricket books he is partial to.
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