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Literary Fiction· Sri Lanka

Funny Boy

by Shyam Selvadurai
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1994English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Funny Boy (1994) by Shyam Selvadurai continues to receive. This coming-of-age novel explores the life of Arjie, a young boy growing up in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s. As he navigates his sexual identity amidst the backdrop of ethnic tensions, the book offers a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Selvadurai's work is celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ themes and its vivid depiction of Sri Lankan culture. Themes of sexual identity, family, ethnic tension run through the work. The book has received recognition from Lambda Literary Award 1997.

Book Details

AuthorShyam Selvadurai
Published1994
Country of Origin🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780156005005
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

Shyam Selvadurai published Funny Boy in 1994, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Sri Lanka. The book's treatment of sexual identity, family, ethnic tension, coming-of-age accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Lambda Literary Award 1997. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to Funny Boy for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of sexual identity, family, ethnic tension, coming-of-age is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Sri Lanka's literary landscape, Shyam Selvadurai occupies a significant position. Funny Boy 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

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · national
19940
✍️
About the Author
Shyam Selvadurai
Sri Lanka
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Shyam Selvadurai 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 Funny Boy about?

This coming-of-age novel explores the life of Arjie, a young boy growing up in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s. As he navigates his sexual identity amidst the backdrop of ethnic tensions, the book offers a poignant exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up. Selvadurai's work is celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ themes and its vivid depiction of Sri Lankan culture.

Who wrote Funny Boy?

Funny Boy was written by Shyam Selvadurai, from Sri Lanka. First published in 1994.

What awards has Funny Boy won?

Funny Boy has received the following recognition: Lambda Literary Award 1997.

Is Funny Boy worth reading?

Funny Boy 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 sexual identity, family, ethnic tension.

Where can I buy Funny Boy?

You can buy Funny Boy on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Funny Boy?

Funny Boy is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Funny Boy from?

Funny Boy originates from Sri Lanka's literary tradition. Explore more books from Sri Lanka on our country page.

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