• Local English  writers face numerous challenges when it comes to writing or translating  local stories, since the gravity of the Sinhala language is a facet  that needs to be considered thoroughly but is often ignored
   
• The simple language that is used for the translations and the Sri Lankan  vernacular words add the most important quality of “local touch” to  Jewels, whose definitions are described clearly at the end of each short  story
   
• Jewels is a selection of the most vivid short stories that covers a wide  range of literary genres from beliefs, traditions and culture to  romance, family relationships and even human psychology

Not all local English books can capture the essence of our culture and our identity and those that do, often lose their originality when they’re written or translated into English. Therefore, local English writers face numerous challenges when it comes to writing or translating local stories, since the gravity of the Sinhala language is a facet that needs to be considered thoroughly but is often ignored. “Jewels’’, by Manel Eriyagama, which is a collection of fourteen Sinhala short stories translated into English, is one rare publication that houses a local English writing style which speaks naturally and effortlessly to any reader. Personally, reading it felt genuine and close to heart.  

The local and familiar characters one can find in this book with each short story, have their own manner of capturing the interest and empathy of the readers. The simple language that is used for the translations and the Sri Lankan vernacular words add the most important quality of “local touch” to Jewels, whose definitions are described clearly at the end of each short story. What is most identifiable in this collection is that the writer has selected a variety of short stories that cover different aspects of Sri Lankan society and culture. The stereotypes, ideologies and traditions of the locals are brought out in a manner that makes any reader, albeit their nationality, get a clear impression on the setting and background on which the short stories originated from.   

The stories cover all kinds of topics that Sri Lankans go through such as hierarchy, poverty, tradition and mental health as these stories criticise and represent the Sri Lankan stagnant mentality and praise it as well when necessary. Eriyagama has carefully converted these stories in a manner where these norms are subtly yet powerfully expressed. The story of the fishmonger, “Our Drawing Lesson” which is one of my favourites in this collection, brings forth such persisting stereotypical mindsets that Sri Lankans unfortunately hold. The stories show stark differences between the ideologies of Sri Lanka and other developed countries. “Our Drawing Lesson” in particular highlighted job inequality in Sri Lanka and how occupations such as fish-mongering are considered worthy in Australia but shameful and lowly in our country.  

The writing style of each short story is however quite monotonous and similar throughout the book, which may or may not be appealing depending on the reader. It gives a sense of flow but might also result in the reader to lose interest. Still, it’s an easy and fast read for any kind of English reader of any fluency level and therefore can definitely be a page turner. Sometimes the translator has struggled with the original sentence patterns and direct translations but her storytelling structure has covered up such odds along the way. For non-native readers, the numerous vernacular and colloquial words that often come in between these short stories might get confusing but the clear definitions at the end make up for it and give clarity and also knowledge on the local setting. The contemporary sentiment of these stories is thus well preserved by Eriyagama throughout the book. Sri Lankan beliefs and traditions, like any other country, are elements that writers have to handle gently when defying, criticising and giving them the spotlight. When such written works are translated, these features need to carry that same essence, meaning and objective unharmed and unaltered from their original work into their translated version. Therefore, most translations lose their value during the translation process and often end up less powerful and meaningful. Eriyagama on the other hand, has taken great care to transport the essence of these Sinhala short stories into a widely read language, all the while protecting their Sri Lankan overtone and influence.  

Jewels is a selection of the most vivid short stories that covers a wide range of literary genres from beliefs, traditions and culture to romance, family relationships and even human psychology. They encompass universal topics all the while giving them their own local twist. The original short stories which were written by several contemporary writers were given their due justice in these translated versions since the readers find these stories genuine and natural. The titles given to each short story in Jewels are short and creative, while most of them elevates the curiosity and familiarity in the readers. Some titles like “Sudu Punchi” and “Vasumathi Pooja” convince and arouse the curiosity in the foreign readers who aren’t familiar with such Sinhala terms, while creative titles such as “I will go home and then only…” and “Death vs Death” blends nicely in with the theme and the style of Eriyagama’s translation style, all the while honouring the originality of the works.  

Sinhala literature in general bears a unique beauty, depth, morals and style that need to be preserved. For this to happen, translators need to understand the responsibility in translating these literary works from all its complex and unique grammar and sentence patterns. Manel Eriyagama has identified and managed this craft in her writing. This collection of translated Sinhala short stories would inspire many local English readers who don’t read much literary work in Sinhala to initiate their journey into the world of Sinhala contemporary literature. Eriyagama’s collection would also inspire our younger readers to enjoy and appreciate more local work. More such English books will definitely contribute to improving the status of English writers and publishers of Sri Lanka. “Jewels” is one such impressive and innovative achievement.