Funny Boy written by Shyam Selvadurai was published years back in 1994 as his debut novel. Talking about Selvadurai, he is a Sri Lankan-Canadian novelist. His birth place is Colombo in Sri Lanka, but amid rising ethnic conflict between Sinhalese and Tamilians, he and his family migrated to Canada. There is not much information about the author on the Internet, but this novel is considered an autobiographical novel of his. Today, I will review this amazing novel.
In this novel, the story revolves around a boy named Arjie, who struggles to explore his sexuality in the ongoing ethnic riots in Colombo. The thing I liked is that the story's narration moves forward smoothly covering both the aspects, that is Arjie maturing throughout the novel, and the ethnic conflict in Colombo. Also, the genre of this novel is Coming of Age, so young readers would feel a connection to it's story. For those who are new to this term, it means that the protagonist of the story matures throughout the novel, both physically and psychologically. Some of the major themes of this novel are homosexuality, ethnic conflict and its affect on citizens, and society's prescribed gender norms. Even the role of parenting is also reflected upon in the novel. Arjie is also forced to change his habits, likes, and dislikes, just to get fit in the gender stereotypes of society.
The other characters in the novel also play an important role in Arjie's exploration and maturity. There is Radha Aunty, Daryl Uncle, and Shaheen. These characters indirectly and directly help him to mature and realize his sexual identity. As the story goes further, Arjie also realizes the ethnic conflict issue. The story gives a deep message to its readers on how these conflicts affect innocent people. Mob-mentality of some sections of society leads to others getting brutally killed, or burnt alive. And how because of this so many people are forced to leave their homeland, and start afresh somewhere else.
Even though the novel was written many years back, but the issue of homosexuals not accepted by society is still prevalent. People in many parts of the world still don't have acceptance and respect for genders other than men and women. There have been various steps taken to provide them respect like others, and things have improved, but many of us still mis-treat them. In prejudices like these, we often forget that they are also humans.
Coincidentally, I am reviewing this book in the month of June, which is celebrated as “Pride Month”. In this month, People from different parts of the world celebrate this month for LGBTQ community. I hope you all understand this, and believe in respecting everyone, irrespective of their gender, religion, caste, or class. You all can definitely give this classic novel a try.
Thank you.
