Challenging convention

 By Cassandra Mascarenhas

After breaking into Sri Lanka’s literary circles with his debut book, ‘A Tigress of Kilinochchi’, a collection of short stories, budding author Lucky De Chickera certainly didn’t waste much time, coming out with his second book, a novel poignantly titled ‘Poseidon’s Wrath’ a mere six months later.

Launched in December 2010, ‘Poseidon’s Wrath’ was written during the process of compiling stories for De Chickera’s first book. Based on the tsunami that rocked the country in 2004, the consequences of which many people are still recovering from years later, De Chickera manages to create an interesting twist on the disaster, adding to it a darker, somewhat controversial aspect.

“I felt that the tsunami would be a good topic to write on as it affected all Sri Lankans, in both direct and indirect ways and it really isn’t an issue that will die out any time soon. The story itself is based in my hometown of Hikkaduwa; while I wasn’t there at the time of the tsunami, it was literally devastated by the disaster and I have included in the book several incidents that I heard of such as the tragic train accident which killed many people just two kilometers from Hikka,” he explained.

De Chickera was quick to assert that while some of the events detailed in the book are based on actual occurrences, the story itself remains completely fictional.

‘Poseidon’s Wrath’ revolves around the protagonist Devika, a girl from a fishing family in Hikkaduwa, whose life is permanently disrupted by the tsunami. After suffering through the disaster, her life takes a further turn for the worse when she is abducted by international mafia to facilitate a booming flesh trade. The author then explores the intricacies behind this widespread trade, while shedding light on the total inadequacy of Sri Lankan authorities to deal with such issues as they are mostly hampered by the fact that most of the establishment is involved in the trade themselves, receiving pay-offs to turn a blind eye to the nefarious activities.

When questioned about what part Poseidon plays in all this, De Chickera spiraled into a quick lesson in Greek mythology, stating that when natural disasters such as volcanoes and earthquakes occurred in the distant past, they were attributed to being a result of the Greek sea god’s wrath at the human race when they displeased him. Drawing on this myth, the author adds a mythical spin on his novel by establishing that the tsunami and other major natural disasters that now occur with more regularity globally as being a result of the mythical sea god’s anger and that Poseidon is now bent on destroying the human race.

The novel, an interesting hybrid of fact, fiction and mythology has received good reviews since its launch in December, especially from other established Sri Lankan authors. When questioned about the issues that may arise from the rather sensitive topics explored in the novel, De Chickera dismissed all concerns. “I think most people will agree with the views that have been aired in the book, any objections that may arise, well that’s just something I will have to take,” the author said matter-of-factly.

Although a newcomer to the industry, De Chickera has set his sights high and is now looking to tap into markets abroad by displaying his books at foreign exhibitions in countries such as the US, UK and Australia.

“The reading public, especially of English novels, in Sri Lanka is very limited so even selling 500 books here is an achievement whereas in foreign markets, selling even a million copies is nothing. You see authors like Nihal De Silva, whose books are still selling even 10 to 15 years down the line. However I’m not looking at it from that viewpoint – I prefer a quick turnover of my books, for sales to happen quickly. This may be an unattainable goal but that’s not going to stop me from trying to achieve it,” he stated.

Staying true to this fast pace, it was unsurprising to find out that the author was already working on his third book.

Exploring the slums of Sri Lanka and those in Mumbai both which he had come across through extensive travelling during his corporate career, the book will showcase the industriousness of people living such lives, through which De Chickera is set to introduce a fresh perspective on the topic discussed in the novel and incite some reaction from the public. ‘Poseidon’s Wrath’ is available for purchase at all leading bookstores island wide priced at Rs. 700.

Pic by Upul Abayasekera