Reading books is an excellent way to get a sense of a country before visiting, especially when traveling to a country as unique and diverse as Sri Lanka. With a rich history and culture, Sri Lanka offers many unique experiences, and reading about the country beforehand can help minimize culture shock and make the experience more enjoyable. Here are some of the best books to read before traveling to Sri Lanka.

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Running in the Family” by Michael Ondaatje is a family memoir that tells the story of a baroque Dutch-Ceylonese family. Ondaatje is also the author of “The English Patient,” and “Running in the Family” is considered one of the greatest Sri Lankan novels of all time. The book is set in the late 1970s and follows a man returning to his roots in Sri Lanka, offering readers a glimpse into the country’s past and its unique blend of cultures.

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This Divided Island: Stories from the Sri Lankan War” by Samanth Subramanian is a journalistic account of the Sri Lankan War, which lasted for many years until recently. The book provides insight into the conflict and the people involved, giving readers knowledge that few visitors have. Understanding the war can help visitors better comprehend the country’s past and its culture.

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Cinnamon and Elephants” is a book that explores Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka. The book is a collection of images and illustrations from the Rijksmuseum collection that tell the story of what happened during the Dutch colonial rule. The Dutch East India Company, also known as the VOC, influenced much of Sri Lanka’s history, and reading about it will help visitors understand a lot of what they see and experience here.

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Woolf in Ceylon” and “A Village in the Jungle” by Christopher Ondaatje tell the story of the author’s time in the Sri Lankan jungle. Leonard Woolf, a British political activist and author, spent eight years in Sri Lanka between 1904 and 1912, and his experiences are recounted in both books. “A Village in the Jungle” details the hardships and mysteries of life in the tropics, while “Woolf in Ceylon” chronicles the author’s travels to the north of Sri Lanka in the midst of the Tamil crisis.

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The Jam Fruit Tree” by Carl Muller is a story about the Burghers, the mixed descendants of Sri Lankans and foreigners. Muller, a Burgher himself, tells a story of family culture and a people that refuse to disappear, giving readers a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural fabric of the country.

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Cinnamon Gardens” by Shyam Selvadurai takes place in the neighborhood of the same name during the 1920s. The book is a story of family and history deep in the heart of Colombo, offering a glimpse into the lives of Sri Lankans during a time of great change.

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Serendipity” by Ashok Ferrey is a collection of contemporary stories set in modern Sri Lanka. The book tells the stories of Sri Lankans who have returned to the island after years abroad, offering a unique perspective on the country’s culture and identity.

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Island of a Thousand Mirrors” by Nayomi Munaweera tells the story of a Sinhala girl and a Tamil girl who overcome cultural conflict. The book is a young view of the Sri Lankan conflict and provides a compelling account of life in Sri Lanka during a time of great change.

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The Ramayana” is not just a story, but also a cultural and religious cornerstone for the Sri Lankan people. The epic tale is celebrated in numerous festivals and rituals throughout the island. Understanding the significance of the story and its impact on Sri Lankan culture will give travelers a deeper appreciation of the local customs and beliefs. Whether it’s exploring the ancient ruins, enjoying the food, or engaging with the friendly locals, reading these books before traveling to Sri Lanka will help visitors gain a better understanding and appreciation of the country’s history and culture.

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