Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Shankari Chandran, an Australian-Tamil lawyer and daughter of Sri Lankan immigrants, achieved a remarkable feat by winning Australia’s prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award, the country’s most significant literary prize. Her novel, “Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens,” secured the coveted $60,000 award. The announcement was made this week during a ceremony held at The Ovolo Hotel in Sydney.
Overwhelmed by the honor, Chandran expressed her astonishment at winning the Miles Franklin Literary Award. Being recognized among her Australian literary peers in such a manner was truly extraordinary for her. She emphasized the significance of her novel, which delves into the complexities of Australian identity, exploring the themes of war, genocide, racism, family, love, and friendship.
The story is set in a Western Sydney suburb and revolves around the lives of residents in an old-age home managed by a Sri Lankan native who fled the country during the 1980s civil war. She expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s such an honor to win the Miles Franklin Literary Award, honestly, I’m still in shock. To be recognized among my Australian writing peers in this way is extraordinary. It means so much to me that ‘Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens’, a novel that explores what it means to ‘be Australian’, has been recognized in this way”.
The judges highly praised Chandran’s novel for its careful handling of contested historical narratives, underscoring the importance of remembering past horrors to avoid repetition. They lauded her skillful storytelling, which effectively portrays solemn history through a cast of squabbling yet endearing elders. The judges invited readers to open their hearts and minds, believing that through literature, one can gain a deep understanding and love for a country.
The esteemed panel of judges for the 2023 award comprised prominent figures in the literary world: author and literary critic Bernadette Brennan; literary scholar and translator Mridula Nath Chakraborty; book critic James Ley; NSW Mitchell Librarian and Chair Richard Neville; and author and editor Elfie Shiosaki. Chandran’s personal background significantly influenced her writing. Further, Shankari’s parents, both doctors, fled Sri Lanka on the brink of civil war, initially relocating to the UK, where Shankari was born, before settling in Australia three years later. Growing up in suburban Canberra, she constantly grappled with her sense of belonging and the terms on which acceptance was granted.
Despite her achievements as a lawyer specializing in social justice, Chandran always maintained her passion for writing. Her extensive experience in the field of social impact, working on national and international program design and delivery, reflects her commitment to making a difference in society. Currently based in Sydney, she continues her work in the social impact sector, collaborating with a national retailer in Australia. Moreover, Chandran’s unpublished political thriller, “Unfinished Business,” is slated for publication as an Audible Original in 2024, adding another dimension to her already accomplished literary career.
