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Song of the Sun God

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Song of the Sun God

By: Shankari Chandran
Narrated by: Shabana Azeez
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About this listen

Nala and Rajan, a young couple, begin their married life in 1946, on the eve of Ceylon's independence from Britain. Arranged in marriage, they learn to love each other and protect their growing family, against the backdrop of increasing ethnic tension. As the country descends into a bloody civil war, Nala and Rajan must decide which path is best for their family; and live with the consequences of their mistakes.

Over time, Nala and Rajan teach their family why some parts of their history and heritage are worth holding onto; and why some parts and people have to be left behind. Song of the Sun God spans three continents and three generations of a family that remains dedicated to its homeland, whilst learning to embrace its new home.

Funny at times, warm and tender at others, we see Nala and Rajan's family navigate war, migration, old loyalties and new beginnings, relying on the philosophy of their religion, their ancestors and each other. Song of the Sun God is about the wisdom, mistakes and sacrifices of our past that enable us to live more freely in the future. It is about finding home and forgiving family.

'Shabana Azeez is a soft-voiced narrator for this family epic set amid the transformation of Ceylon from a British colony into the nation of Sri Lanka. She delivers in rich detail the love story and dilemmas facing Nala and Rajan, two young people who become parents at a turbulent time in their emerging nation. Azeez inspires affection and sympathy from listeners, who may be unfamiliar with this history. For fans of international literature, this is a wonderful listening experience. Azeez takes listeners from the lives of parents Nala and Rajan to the lives of their children and even their grandchildren as the consequences of not-so-simple decisions echo down the generations. Azeez has listeners hanging on every word.' AudioFile

©2022 Shankari Chandran (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd and Ultimo Press
Family Life Fiction Historical Fiction World Literature Inspiring War Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

What listeners say about Song of the Sun God

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A must read

A beautifully woven story spanning four generations, shedding light on the plight and recent treatment of the Tamil people. Excellent characterisation and development. The ending reflects the reality of the Tamil people’s experience. A must read for all who wish to expand their historical knowledge and worldview. My life is richer for reading this book, thank you, Shankari

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Great insight into coping with extremes of war love and loss

Loved the layers of the story. I felt really drawn into the lives of the society

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Absolutely the best story one for the ages.

I can't believe this story, it was so well written and executed. This story touches so many emotions, from love, anger, being horrified and sad. I never wanted it to end. The education I got from this story has made me realise my Sri Lankin friends have lived through such horrible things, it makes me appreciate my life and up bringing.
Growing up in Sydney I know the areas mentioned in the book well, the Temple in Westmead was just down the street from where i lived.

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the saga of a family facing tge internal conflict in Sri Lanka

it is well written and very well read. you learn the history of Sri Lanka conflict over the last 100yrs through the eyes of a Tamil family. it is powerful and confronting. some details are very difficult to listen too. it has given me a whole new perspective.

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Thought provoking

I found this author very clever with the delightful placement of her beautiful words an d phases.The custom of marriage so different to mine.Loved the family unit,also the impressive characters.The devastatingly horror of rape and abuse is just too terrible to acknowledge that we can do this to each other.The secret that was revealed is sad also.Delightful narration many qualities to this soothing expressive voice

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Beautifully read … transports you to Sri Lanka

Fascinating and thought provoking story that was beautifully written. It’s not fast paced but rather immersive and engaging

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Incredibly important and brilliantly written

I learned so much reading this as a young Sri Lankan. I feel like everyone in this country should know and fully understand the events surrounding the storyline of this book if we are to have any hope of a positive future. Brilliantly written and exceptional character building.

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Beautifully written family saga

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It is a good companion book to the author’s Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens. Recommended.

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Sad but engaging story

Informative story about Sri Lanka history. Sometimes hard to hear but told in richly detailed account which transports you to the sights and smells. Made me hungry at times the beautiful descriptions of food. Sad and harrowing story but beautifully told.

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Beautiful story

I loved this book and devoured it. A fictional story embedded in so much historical truths.

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