Review of 'Unfinished Business' by Shankari Chandran
Review of 'Unfinished Business' by Shankari Chandran
Release date: Dec 31st, 2024
Publisher: Ultimo Press
REVIEW
I had read two previous Shankari Chandran novels and enjoyed them very much. I knew Unfinished Business would be very different in content from her previous as this one is a Thriller— a genre I rarely read. But my respect for this author nudged me to try it and I am glad I did. I learned a great deal from this fast-paced political spy thriller set in Sri Lanka during the civil war (2005 and 2009). I must admit, I knew little of the topic beforehand. But the author plunged me head long into the drama and I was fully immersed in the plot and engaged quickly with the characters. The events left me reeling and often I was sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense. It certainly took me out of my comfort zone through the detailed descriptions.
We might wonder why Shankari decided to take a different path with her latest offering. But it is not so hard to understand considering her heritage and social justice background. She informs us in her Author’s Notes that the novel was first inspired by a journalist who devoted his life to ‘seeking and telling the truth’ and was assassinated as a result (along with others). Justice never came for Lasantha Wickrematunge and those who followed in his footsteps. So Shankari set out to honour them with this fictional memoriam. Although Unfinished Business is fiction, it is based on first-hand accounts from surviving activists, lawyers and journalists in Sri Lanka. Shankari draws brilliantly from the truth-inspired well at her disposal. All the nasty details once dormant in the darkness of memory are brought to light. As a result, we experience the horrors of those who fought against the corruption. It’s a full flesh and blood picture created from the dust and bones that have remained. Shankari’s technical and creative abilities successfully moved me to shock, distress, tears and compassion. And I am sure other readers undoubtedly will have the same experience.
This is not a feel good story, nor is it meant to be. It exposes the government corruption and highlights the trauma experienced by those who tried to tell the truth in Sri Lanka. It raises serious questions about the freedom of expression and what those people endured during the civil war.
Ellie Harper, the fearless and brave Australian-American woman, who does not hesitate to charge into the heart of conflict, works for the CIA. She has been sent on two missions to Sri Lanka (in 2005 and 2009) during the civil war. I was moved by this character’s strength and determination. I marvelled at her skill as she fought bravely. She seeks justice and accountability which are important themes in this novel and everyone is held accountable. The grittiness of truth hits hard at many levels.
Aside from the deeply tragic tone of Unfinished Business due to its subject matter, there are a few lighter moments. Being a Canadian-Australian, I appreciated Kewan’s comment that American’s are ‘always joking, never listening and never learning’. And Ellie’s eloquent line about Canada being ‘beautiful, peaceful and progressive’ made me smile! Other impressive lines stood out that were positive such as one by Sathyan: ‘I wanted you to see there is beauty and hope, even in the debris.’
The author’s empathy is evident throughout. This must have been a difficult novel to write due to the violence and pain written across these pages. Shankari brings home how dangerous it is for a journalist reporting during wartimes. Words have power and some recipients will feel threatened by the truth— as they did in this story. As a result, many lost their lives trying to deliver the facts.
Unfinished Business is an apt title and perfectly paced with tons of tension. It is expertly written on a topic the author knows and understands well. This visit to a bloody past serves a great purpose in offering a valuable lesson that one must never forget: and that is to learn from history so as not to repeat it. Read this novel. It will shake up your world and make you appreciate what you have. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Ultimo Press for the review copy.
