Book: Reef

"Reef" by Romesh Gunesekera is a poignant and evocative novel set against the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka's evolving landscape. The story is narrated by Triton, a young boy who becomes the houseboy for Mr. Salgado, a marine biologist with a keen interest in the coral reefs surrounding the island. As Triton serves in Salgado's household, he matures and learns the complexities of life and human relationships, particularly through the comings and goings of the intellectual and political guests who frequent the home.

Gunesekera deftly captures the subtle nuances of Triton's internal world and his burgeoning understanding of the adult complexities around him. As the political tides and social structures of Sri Lanka shift during the 1960s and 70s, the novel mirrors this turbulence through an intimate and layered exploration of personal change and loss. "Reef" is a richly textured narrative that interweaves themes of environmental fragility, personal growth, memory, and the timeless longing for connection and belonging. Through his vivid prose, Gunesekera transports readers into a world where beauty and danger coexist, illuminating the delicate balance between nature and human endeavor.