"A Change of Skies": Connection Across Cultures - Book Review

Straddling two continents and three different timelines, ‘A Change of Skies’ is a culmination of rich narrative and authentic cultural perspectives.

Yasmine Gooneratne’s first novel (published in 1991) follows the immigration of married couple Bharat and Navaranjini from Sri Lanka to Australia in the early 1970s. As a Sri Lankan Australian academic herself, Gooneratne weaves personal experiences into plot, with Bharat offered a lecturing position at a university in Sydney.

Following in the footsteps of his great grandfather Edward, who wrote about visiting Australia in his well kept diary manuscripts, the novel flicks back and forth between pre and post colonial perspectives.

When the couple make plans to leave for down under, friends inform them that they will be sure to return to the more civilised Sri Lanka soon. However, when their initial five year stint comes to an end, Bharat and Navaranjani find themselves deciding to reside in Australia permanently, adopting the Western names of Barry and Jean.

The novel’s title is inspired by a quote from Horace: “he who crosses the oceans may change the skies above him, but not the color of his soul”. However, this reference appears to be ironic as the characters choose to adapt and reinvent themselves.

Gooneratne’s portrayal of the immigrant experience is witty and playful. Her tongue in cheek humour both mocks and praises the two cultures, making us feel like we’re part of this community. Each chapter offers first person accounts from various characters, creating a fuller, more intimate record of events. Contrasted with Western accounts of discovering exotic new lands, Gooneratne’s down to earth settlers are a breath of fresh air. Navigating cultural clashes, with Bharat a Sinhalese and Navaranjani a Tamil, these characters persevere through challenging political climates with candour and fortitude.

‘A Change of Skies’ is a must read for anyone craving the feeling of settling down somewhere new. In particular, this book is for anyone in the Sri Lankan diaspora who relates to the balancing act of navigating two cultures and a longing for a deeper connection with their roots.

By Mia Abeyawardene