A Sri Lankan-born novelist creates an indelible and endearing heroine.
Sodden Downstream (Lawrence & Gibson, $29) is local author Brannavan Gnanalingam’s fifth novel, but the first to feature a character from his country of birth, Sri Lanka. Sita is a Tamil refugee, who lives in the Hutt Valley and works as a cleaner in Wellington. When a flood halts all transport, Sita’s boss warns her that if she doesn’t show up, she’ll lose her job. As Sita supports her husband and son, she must find a way to get to work. But for every step she takes closer to her goal, she seems fated to be set back two, despite the willingness of everyone around her to help. Longlisted for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, this novel is a gem. Sita is a gentle, endearing vessel for the themes of social injustice, and her determination and optimism should qualify her as one of fiction’s great heroines. Highly recommended.
This article was first published in the January 6, 2018 issue of the New Zealand Listener.
MostReadArticlesCollectionWidget - Most Read - Used in articles
Most Read
100443 2018-12-13 16:46:27Z
Auckland Eats
Te Atatu's new cafe The Sugar Grill celebrates local history and family
by Jean Teng
100158 2018-12-16 00:00:00Z
Social issues
Do we need to raise the retirement age to cope with the demographic storm?
by Sarah Catherall
92725 2018-06-25 00:00:00Z
Top 50 Restaurants
Auckland's best restaurants by cuisine: Metro Top 50 2018
by MetroAdvertModule - Advert - M-Rec / Halfpage
Featured
100648 12/19/2018 12:00:00 AM
100564 12/19/2018 12:00:00 AM
100011 12/19/2018 12:00:00 AM
100301 12/19/2018 12:00:00 AM
Latest
100348 2018-12-19 00:00:00Z
Psychology
Christmas lowers emotional well-being and science …
by Marc WilsonDeadlines, bills and Christmas have replaced savage beasts as our main sources of stress, says psychology professor Marc Wilson.
Read more
100553 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Social issues
An emotional Christmas reunion for a crash survivo…
by NotedThis time two years ago, Joanna Harris was fighting for her life.
Read more
100337 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Music
The Listener's 20 Best Albums of 2018
by The ListenerMarlon Williams, Cécile McLorin Salvant and The Carters make an appearance on this year's list of top albums.
Read more
99684 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Small business
The old-school goldsmith making jewels with a stor…
by Ken DownieEach design is made from scratch using traditional tools. No two pieces are the same, and every piece comes with a narrative attached.
Read more
100287 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Investment
Prepare for a return to the 'old normal' of sharem…
by Pattrick SmellieIn the decade since the global financial crisis, investors have enjoyed a steady upward ride and very few shocks.
Read more
100307 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Investment
Is cryptocurrency a haven from market volatility?
by Nikki MandowIt’s been a wild ride for cryptocurrencies over the past year, but can they become a stable store of wealth for investors?
Read more
100101 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Property
Stop your new build from feeling cookie-cutter wit…
by NotedBuilding a new home but want something unique? These creative solutions prove new-builds and personality do go together.
Read more
100687 2018-12-18 00:00:00Z
Life in NZ