Edge of the Lagoon: Some Perspectives of Jaffna

Tea from Ceylon!-those were the words that still ring inmy ears from advertisements in the 'fifties, and theyalways evoked a picture of a magical, exotic island worldwith acres of rich green tea bushes somewhere beyondthe swelling rollers of the Indian ocean. Today "Sri Lanka"doesn't sound as romantic-but if I were to visit thatland, I would be sure to take with me a copy of DrParamothayan's book. The title Edge of the Lagoon arewords, once again, to conjure with! And indeed, the booktakes one to the heart of that magical, though turbulentland with its ancient myths and rich mixture of cultures. This is a meticulous, academic, well-researched study orexploration, especially of Jaffna, that region in thenorthern apex of that triangular land just 22 miles fromthe southern tip of India, and is well supported bymeticulous and accurate footnoting and quotations fromthe people who have shaped the country.-Charles Muller, Diadem Books