Shehan Karunatilaka: left-handed spin, Pavilion end

Shehan Karunatilaka

It's rare when a book like Chinaman comes along.

There are books that make you laugh, books that make you cry, books that tell you something old about the world, something new about yourself. There are page-turners, books that are readable, books about love, life, loss, death, books that make you think. There are books that are readable, books that are deep and textured. Books that give you a history of a place. Books that ooze with a lightness of touch. There are books about cricket. And there are books like Chinaman by Shehan Karunatilaka, books that do it all. Chinaman was one of my favourite books of last year. It was all of the above and more.

It has gone on to win lots of awards and receive the recognition it thoroughly deserves.

Here's what Shehan Karunatilaka made of it all.

How are you and where are you currently?

I've just got back from a 2-month tour of the US and UK. I'm back at my desk in Singapore, have gotten over my jetlag and started writing again. Or I will once I stop procrastinating with interviews.

Are you a batsman or a bowler?

I bowled left-arm Chinaman spin. (Funny that) My crowning glory was taking 4-17 in an under-13 match. It was all downhill from there.

In the pantheon of the unreliable narrator, who has been your favourite?

There are many. Tyler Durden in Fight Club, Humbert Humbert in Lolita. And of course Agatha Christie's narrators in two books, which I won't spoil be revealing their titles.

Tell us about the band you play bass for. What kind of music is it?

I play in a couple of cover bands in Singapore. Mainly 90s alternative rock. It's a lot of fun and stops me from thinking too much. If I can quote Dave Barry, 'I play music as well as Metallica write novels'.

I wrote it for Sri Lankans who'd grown up with cricket and war. Chinaman has won a lot of acclaim and a few awards now. Is this where you saw the book when you started writing it?

Not quite. I wrote it for Sri Lankans who'd grown up with cricket and war. That's quite a niche market, if you're aiming for world domination.

Writing comedically and emotively, as well as writing a parallel history for Sri Lanka, how did you balance all these elements in the book?

I think it all emerged from the voice. A drunk can be comic, profound, stupid and wise all at the same time. I didn't think about all these elements while writing. I just followed W G's voice and where it led surprised even me.

What is the intersecting Venn Diagram crossover between your narrator and you?

I like a drink, but I'm not a drunk. I like watching sport, but I'm not a fanatic. I share some of W G's opinions, but not all. Not sure how that would look as a diagram.

What is the best book you've read in the last few years?

Sum by David Eagleman. Science, poetry and the meaning of life in just over 100 pages.

Practice in the nets for hours every dayI would like some motivational advice for writers framed as a cricketing metaphor if possible…

Practice in the nets for hours every day and don't worry if the ball isn't turning or the feet aren't moving.

What is next for you?

Researching a novel set in Sri Lanka that avoids the topics of sports and alcohol.

Read our review

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