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| Sunday, 09 March 2003 |
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Features |  |
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Everything in a nutshell Prose Selections by GPD Seneratne The author of this book was a printer and publisher before he became a writer. By his own admission he never dreamt of writing until he was inspired by various important "happenings around him" to jot down his own views and those of various important people on such 'happenings' in the form of several booklets. The subjects of these booklets (which have already been published) range from abstract topics such as suffering, conflict, work, religion, tolerance and human nature to more down to earth subjects such as work and leisure,education; from important global issues of growing significance in today's world (e.g. terrorism and conservation to past events of global significance (The Vietnam war, nuclear holocast, the industrial Revolution). Now, in his latest publication, the author has simply put together his collection of previously printed booklets and for the convenience of the readers categorised each topic under relevant headings. He has aptly titled this collection of writings "Prose Selections". The book opens with short comments obviously meant to prod the conscience of his readers, on a number of general subjects that revolve around people, nations, politicians, conflicts, poverty and unemployment, among other issues. These 'Random thoughts' as he titles this particular section cites quotations from well-known authors e.g. Leo Tolstoy, philosophers (J.C. Kumaraappa and Bertrand du Jouvenal), scientists (Dr Albert Schweitzer) and politicians (Karl Marx) among others to drive home his arguments and open the eyes of his readers to the pressing needs and short comings of our society. His comments on what comprises a nation for example is extremely pertinent in view of our ongoing peace talks. " Nations are not made by drawing lines on a map or by signing indepdenence documents. Equally interesting is his comment on what constitutes 'Sinhalese culture'. "For the Sinhalese the mother is most important. It is the mother who passes onto her children the values of the culture. Buddhists believe that for all the sufferings a mother undergoes during life, she will be born in heaven".. The range of subjects covered by the author within the space of just 165 pages of writing is truly remarkable and it is this diversity that makes it both readable and interesting to the reader. Prose Selections is simply written in a straight forward, uncluttered and matter of fact style. |
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