Funny Boy: A Review

“Funny Boy” is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Set in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s, the story follows the life of Arjie, a young Tamil boy who struggles to find his place within his family and society.

Plot Summary of Funny Boy:

The novel begins with Arjie’s childhood, where he is affectionately nicknamed “Funny Boy” by his family for his feminine ways. As Arjie navigates his adolescence, he must confront the expectations placed upon him by his traditional Tamil family and the societal norms of his community. Arjie’s struggles with his sexuality, identity, and belonging are further complicated by the political tensions and violence between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities in Sri Lanka.

Character Analysis of Funny Boy

1. Arjie: The protagonist, Arjie, is a well-crafted and relatable character. Selvadurai masterfully captures his struggles, emotions, and triumphs, making Arjie a deeply human and endearing character.
2. Arjie’s Family: The characters of Arjie’s family members are multidimensional and authentic, revealing the complexities of family dynamics and traditional expectations.

A Review of “Funny Boy” by Shyam Selvadurai:

Through Arjie’s journey, Selvadurai masterfully weaves together themes of sexuality, ethnicity, and social class, creating a rich tapestry that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel’s title, “Funny Boy,” refers to Arjie’s childhood nickname, given to him by his family for his feminine ways. As Arjie navigates his adolescence, he must confront the expectations placed upon him by his traditional Tamil family and the societal norms of his community.

Selvadurai’s writing is evocative and nuanced, capturing the vibrant colors, sounds, and smells of Sri Lankan culture. His characters are multidimensional and authentic, with Arjie being a particularly well-crafted protagonist. The author’s use of language is precise and elegant, making the novel a joy to read.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance humor and pathos. Selvadurai tackles difficult subjects like racism, homophobia, and domestic violence with sensitivity and wit, never shying away from the harsh realities of Arjie’s world.

Overall, “Funny Boy” is a triumph of contemporary literature, offering a fresh perspective on the immigrant experience and the search for identity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in stories about self-discovery, family, and the power of love to overcome adversity.

Interesting quotes from “Funny Boy” by Shyam Selvadurai:

“I was not like the other boys. I was not like my brothers, who were rough and tumble, who played cricket and climbed trees. I was like my sisters, who were gentle and quiet, who played with dolls and wore dresses.”

• This quote highlights Arjie’s early realization of his differences from his brothers and his identification with his sisters.

“My family called me ‘Funny Boy’ because I was effeminate, because I didn’t behave like a proper Tamil boy.”

• This quote explains the origin of Arjie’s nickname “Funny Boy” and his family’s perception of him.

“I didn’t know what it meant to be gay, but I knew I was different.”

• This quote captures Arjie’s early awareness of his sexuality and his sense of difference.

“The war had begun, and we were trapped in our own country, unable to escape.”

• This quote highlights the political tensions and violence in Sri Lanka during the 1980s, which serves as the backdrop for Arjie’s story.

“I realized that I had been living in a world of my own creation, a world of fantasy and dreams.”

• This quote marks a turning point in Arjie’s journey, as he begins to confront the realities of his situation and his identity.

“I was no longer the Funny Boy, but a young man, uncertain and afraid, but determined to find my place in the world.”

• This quote signifies Arjie’s growth and transformation, as he sheds his childhood nickname and embraces his newfound identity.

These quotes offer a glimpse into the novel’s exploration of identity, family, and belonging, and demonstrate Selvadurai’s poignant and evocative writing style.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Recommendation:

“Funny Boy” is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, literary fiction, and books that explore themes of identity and belonging. Fans of authors like Michael Ondaatje, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Zadie Smith may particularly appreciate Selvadurai’s writing style and thematic concerns.

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