This Chinaman came from Sri Lanka

Shehan Karunatilake's debut novel, Chinaman, despite being set in Sri Lanka, introduces the reader to the island nation's obsession with cricket like never before. Narrated with inimitable wit and seamless wordplay, a wasted sports journalist and a mysterious spinner act as catalysts in a plot that crisscrosses the country's socio-economic and cultural fabric

By the time you read this, the Indian team would probably be warming up for their first outing in the 2011 edition of the World Cup against previous World Cup nemesis, Bangladesh. While India will be rooting for the Men in Blue throughout this sporting extravaganza, neighbouring Sri Lanka will be doing the same for their Lankan Lions.

Sri Lankan cricket fans celebrate their team's win in a World Cup 2007
semi-final match against New Zealand in Colombo on 25 April 2007.
Sri Lanka were World Cup champions in 1996. Pic/AFP

Chinaman, set in Sri Lanka, is a novel for universal lovers of cricket and highly recommended for newbies who've stayed away from the gentleman's game. The quest of a has-been sports journalist to track down the elusive spin wizard, Pradeep Mathew will take the reader through a fascinating, most imaginative rollercoaster across stadium locker rooms, gossip-filled booze parties and
LTTE bunkers.

We caught up with the author Shehan Karunatilake to recall this entertaining journey while writing, what the Sunday Times called, "The first genuine contender for the title of the Great Sri Lankan Novel."u00a0

From where did the germ of this idea originate?
From hours spent dreaming about playing for Sri Lanka and hours spent not practicing. Pradeep (Mathew) began as a teenage fantasy before I found out that he was real.
u00a0
Did you base your protagonist WG Karunasena on a particular personality or was he created from a collection of observations and individuals?
I interviewed lots of uncles, grandfathers and drunks to gather anecdotes on cricket. While it's possible that I subconsciously merged the mannerisms of these subjects to construct WG, he soon became his own man. I don't know where he came from, but I'm glad he dropped by.

From writing advertisements, rock songs and travel stories, what new challenges did you face while writing on cricket?
Ads and songs are more spontaneous and disposable. They are both very intuitive disciplines and I tried to bring this visceral approach to ideas when writing Chinaman. But a novel also requires sustained concentration and the juggling of many balls. The research that I put into my travel stories helped me focus my gaze while gathering information for the book.
u00a0
Did you face any hurdles in course of writing this book, particularly since you were chronicling a game that is passionately followed in the Sri Lanka?
I don't think many were aware of what I was doing, so those I interviewed were quite forthcoming with information and gossip.
u00a0
You've effortlessly captured the sights, sounds and smells of the Sri Lankan landscape and its people ufffd what factors contributed to this?
It helps being on the ground, close to the action and having access to the conversations and the settings I was trying to inhabit. I did a lot of field research, most of which involved hanging in shady bars talking to drunks. The Sri Lankan landscape is a beautiful, fractured one and fascinating to observe if you focus on the right things.u00a0
u00a0
How long did the book take from idea to final manuscript?
One year of research, one year of writing, one year of rewriting. I'd like to speed up the process for the next one, but I have a feeling it may take twice as long.
u00a0
What have been the initial reactions to this book from the Sri Lankan cricket fraternity?
So far, there's been no problem. I was worried that my thinly disguised character names may ruffle a few feathers, but until now, I've received mostly positive comments. Even Kumar Sanga (Sangakkara) is a fan.

Who will win the World Cup and what are Sri Lanka's chances?
It will be a fabulous World Cup ufffd I cannot wait. For the past three editions, the question's always been, who will meet the Aussies in the final. This time, there are at least six countries that have a plausible chance of lifting the cup. The Aussies are still one of the favourites, as is India and England. But my money is on the dark horses. Pakistan has a brilliant side on paper and, due to off-field scandals, are flying under the radar. South Africa has a great mix of flair and experience and is probably tired of being called chokers. But the dreamer in me thinks that Sri Lanka may have what it takes to go all the way. Our middle order may be a bit thin, but we have a wonderful bowling attack and a formidable top order. As with most things, I guess it'll depend on who wants it the most.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels