THE WINDS OF SINHALA

by Colin de Silva ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 1981

In this unusually muted and graceful saga about ancient conflicts--between two 2nd-century B.C. island kingdoms in what is now Sri Lanka--the stirring warfare (elephants and chariots) is subordinate to the delicacies of princely plots and the interlacing of philosophical meditations. This is the story of Abhaya Gamini, King of Lanka, as told by his tutor, Prince Rodana--a bastard noble who has vowed to spend his life serving the heir to King Kakkavan's Sinhalese throne. So, when King Kakkavan's son Gamini reaches age twelve, Rodana is summoned from his Buddhist monastery to be the future king-savior's tutor. Through many dialogues, teacher and pupil examine Princely Conduct in the light of the Buddhist Doctrine. But Gamini will have none of the theory (favored by the King) that ""moral force"" alone can conquer such enemies as the stronger Cholas, led by King Elara. (An uneasy peace has existed between the two peoples ever since intricate doings--involving Gamini's mother, the wily Queen--led to many deaths, including that of Elara's own son and heir.) And, before young Gamini rises up to reject the will of his father, there's more plotting and maneuvering in the two courts: at King Kakkavan's death, an unholy alliance is formed (the Queen and her favored son, a dissolute cousin and his son) to prevent Gamini's ascension to the throne. So, the ""civilized"" peace of Kakkavan and Elara is plowed under by Gamini in a series of terrible conflicts, ending with a noble battle to the death--with Gamini and Elara both mounted on their state elephants. (Though Gamini is a model king, Rodana leaves open the question of the relative virtues of weak peace and savage war.) For readers who like densely textured journeys into exotic places and times: a lavish exploration of fresh and fertile territory, with adventurous dips into Far Eastern mores, history, and religion.

Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1981

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1981

Categories: FICTION