Chinaman

By: Shehan Karunatilaka

Narrated by: Shivantha Wijesinha

Brought to you by Penguin.

Discover the blazing debut novel from the Booker Prize winning author.

Where is Pradeep S. Mathew - spin bowler extraordinaire and 'the greatest cricketer to walk the earth'?

Retired sportswriter W. G. Karunasena is dying, and he wants to know.

W. G. will spend his final months drinking arrack, making his wife unhappy, ignoring his son and tracking down the mysterious Pradeep. On his quest he will also uncover a coach with six fingers, a secret bunker below a famous stadium, a Tamil Tiger warlord, and startling truths about Sri Lanka, cricket and himself.

Winner of the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature

©2011 Shehan Karunatilaka (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The strength of the book lies in its energy, its mixture of humour and heartwrenching emotion, its twisting narrative, its playful use of cricketing facts and characters, and its occasional blazing anger about what Sri Lanka has done to itself..." (Kamila Shamsie)

"A crazy ambidextrous delight." (Michael Ondaatje)

"Bristling with energy and confidence." (Sunday Times)

A masterpiece

Beautifully written and narrated. Most enjoyable, lovable characters and full of crafty wit. A must listen

A Love Letter To Cricket

Thinning the ever thinning line between reality and fiction comes a love letter to cricket.

Outstanding

Very realistic writing. Googled a lot while reading the book. That itself speaks volumes about the quality of the writing

It’s like getting a front-row seat to life in Sri Lanka.

*The Chinaman* by Shehan Karunatilaka was an unforgettable experience. Initially, the story might feel a bit slow, but once you get past that, the author’s hypnotic way with language truly draws you in. As someone who knows nothing about cricket, I found myself completely immersed in the story and the cultural nuances it presented. The beautiful narrative and amazing ending left me in awe. This book is a gem and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and mesmerizing read.

Excellent story and performance

Excellent story!!
Sarcasm and national self-irony at the highest level.
Bravo for the most entertaining narration!