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Cover of Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew
Literary Fiction· Sri Lanka

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew

by Shehan Karunatilaka
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
★Booker Prize
Published 2010English
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About This Book

Published in 2010, Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew established Shehan Karunatilaka as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. This novel follows a washed-up sports journalist's quest to uncover the story of a forgotten cricketing genius, Pradeep Mathew. Blending humor, mystery, and a deep love for cricket, the book offers a satirical look at Sri Lankan society and the sport's place within it. It has been praised for its inventive narrative style and its insightful commentary on obsession and national identity. Themes of obsession, identity, sports run through the work. The book has received recognition from Commonwealth Book Prize 2012.

Book Details

AuthorShehan Karunatilaka
Published2010
Country of Origin🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781905802143
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

This book is part of Sri Lanka's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Sri Lanka →

Editorial Assessment

Shehan Karunatilaka published Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew in 2010, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Sri Lanka. The book's treatment of obsession, identity, sports, satire accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Commonwealth Book Prize 2012. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of obsession, identity, sports, satire is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Sri Lanka's literary landscape, Shehan Karunatilaka occupies a significant position. Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
notable · regional
20110
✍️
About the Author
Shehan Karunatilaka
Sri Lanka
View Author →

Shehan Karunatilaka is a Sri Lanka author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew about?

This novel follows a washed-up sports journalist's quest to uncover the story of a forgotten cricketing genius, Pradeep Mathew. Blending humor, mystery, and a deep love for cricket, the book offers a satirical look at Sri Lankan society and the sport's place within it. It has been praised for its inventive narrative style and its insightful commentary on obsession and national identity.

Who wrote Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew?

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew was written by Shehan Karunatilaka, from Sri Lanka. First published in 2010.

What awards has Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew won?

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew has received the following recognition: Commonwealth Book Prize 2012.

Is Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew worth reading?

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in obsession, identity, sports.

Where can I buy Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew?

You can buy Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew?

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew from?

Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew originates from Sri Lanka's literary tradition. Explore more books from Sri Lanka on our country page.

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