51 pages • 1 hour read
Funny Boy
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Book Brief
328
Novel • Fiction
Sri Lanka • 1970s-1980s
1994
Adult
14-18 years
780L
Super Short Summary
Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai follows young Arjie Chelvaratnam as he comes of age as a gay boy in an upper-middle-class Sri Lankan family during the 1980s civil war crisis, grappling with his identity and societal expectations while surrounded by escalating ethnic tensions and violence. The novel addresses themes of sexuality, class, family dynamics, and emigration amid a backdrop of social and political turmoil.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
9,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shyam Selvadurai's Funny Boy receives acclaim for its evocative storytelling and rich portrayal of Sri Lankan culture during turbulent times, effectively capturing complex themes of identity and belonging. Critics praise its lyrical prose and character depth but note moments of uneven pacing. Overall, readers find it an impactful, albeit occasionally challenging, narrative.
Who Should Read Funny Boy?
Readers who enjoy Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai are typically drawn to coming-of-age stories set against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. Similar to fans of The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, they appreciate nuanced explorations of identity, cultural conflict, and personal growth.
9,050 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
328
Novel • Fiction
Sri Lanka • 1970s-1980s
1994
Adult
14-18 years
780L
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