Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Saturday Dec 14, 2024
Friday, 28 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Jayewardene issued the following review of the book, based on his understanding of the subject matter: “Reyna’s Prophecy by Radhika Philip is a remarkable first novel.
“It is certainly remarkable that Radhika has confidently begun a tale (the first in a trilogy!) of both great complexity and subtlety that hooks the reader and holds their attention for approximately 365 pages. What is more remarkable however is that the book introduces and then makes its central theme, a subject once thought to be the pursuit of zany eccentrics and other assorted loonies: communicating with animals.
One has to be brave or prescient or both, to write a novel such as this, because unlike in the popular genre of magical fantasy fiction, much of what Radhika writes about is becoming the real life experience of several people who work closely with animals. The book raises questions which are not easily answered, not explainable scientifically but are nonetheless valid and undergoing a certain degree of objective analysis the world over, revealing both the limitations of science as well as our paucity of knowledge of the true nature of the animals that we share this world with.”
“Today few would doubt that many birds and mammals in particular are intelligent, are able to make decisions, and have individual personalities and emotions. Although science for more than a century frowned upon such blatant ‘anthropomorphism’, scientists themselves have long been blinded by their superior, homocentric viewpoint as well as their own religious beliefs.
Through Reyna, the Heroine of the story we learn that animals are intelligent, thoughtful beings that should be treated as equals; all coming naturally to her but making her a misfit in her family and in 
the wider world in the process.
Reyna’s Prophecy raises important questions as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the animal kingdom in all its glorious diversity, and the reader learns to see animals as ‘people’ too. The story’s modern Sri Lankan setting, and actual places and events make this unusual book all too real. Reyna’s Prophecy is a book destined to travel far.”
The media panel for the worldwide release of Reyna’s Prophecy comprises of Ajitha G.S commissioning editor HarperCollins India, author Radhika Philip, Nazreen Sansoni, Director of Barefoot Ltd, and Rukshan Jayewardene.
Also participating in the media launch is Ramya Jirasinghe, Dep. Director US-SL Fulbright Commission. Confirming her role as Moderator of the media conference Jirasinghe released the following statement, “A fantastic read. Here is a book that has all the potential to go places. I am honoured to be involved in its launch.”
The Media Conference to mark the launch will begin at Barefoot at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed in the evening by a private launch event hosted by HarperCollins and Barefoot.
Beverage support for the launch will be provided by Wine World and hospitality partner Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts will host the HarperCollins delegation.
