‘Patiya’ captures the special joys of a Lankan childhood

‘Patiya’ captures the special joys of a childhood in Sri Lanka, as narrated by author Lucky Setunge. Published by Jam Fruit Tree Publications in September this year, the children’s book is a first for the Melbourne-based author and is available for purchase at The Jam Fruit Tree Bookshop in Colombo 03 or at Kalaya in Battaramulla. Following are excerpts from a recent interview with Lucky on the process behind her first published work and the treasured characters that have inspired her to write ‘Patiya’:

By Kshanika Argent 

Q: When did the idea of ‘Patiya’ first occur? 

 I changed jobs in 2019 from a five-day to a three-day job and had extra time on hands. During my morning devotions and prayers, I was looking for a more challenging task to embark on and with the COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year, I began to write down the stories of ‘Patiya’. Every story of ‘Patiya’ has an element of truth in terms of people, situations and places. 

Q: Your second son Seni was the inspiration behind ‘Patiya’ – was being a mom more of a challenge when writing this book? 

No, in fact it was much easier for me to write the book, as it was closer to heart. Seni is now 18 years old and he laughs when he reads some of his mischievous behaviour I have captured in the book. I hope he is not embarrassed. 

Q: What did you love most about writing ‘Patiya’? 

 Reminiscing my kids’ childhood and even my own. I even created a character which I modelled after my own self to show the depth and different viewpoints of life as a child. Also, I loved the fact that my eldest son took an interest in my writing and how he encouraged me every step of the way. He is my greatest critic and the greatest fan. He puts up his hand to read my first raw draft despite his university assignments. 

Q: Apart from the main star of the book, could you tell us about some of the other characters?

 All characters in the book are personally known to me. There are few famous cricketers whom Seni met when he was a kid and I have changed their names to preserve their real identity. Apart from Patiya the most loved character is Seelay. Seelay was our former nanny, who lived with us right up until we migrated to Australia. She is like a second mum to me and the boys. I have even dedicated to the book to Seelay. Apart from that we have Stoney, the character depicts my eldest son, Seni’s childhood friends, my husband, my parents, my sister-in-law and some of my work colleagues. It’s a story about family values, traditions, friendships and the positivity you choose to surround yourself with; be it with friends, family and even yourself. So I created all these through the beautiful people in my life.  

Q: I know your house is full of children›s books – what are some of the books the boys enjoyed growing up? 

Even to date they love TinTin. That’s their favourite cartoon series. I remember how they each saved up their pocket money to buy the whole series one at a time when they were growing up. Apart from that when they were growing up I used to read a book a day to them. ‘Tim & Topsy,’ Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda,’ Dr. Seuss stories and ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ are some of them. 

Q: What is your favourite children›s book? 

 ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein, It’s a sweet story and as a child and even as an adult I found it rather charming. 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your current job and life in Melbourne? 

 I was an Event Sales Executive at a leading hotel in Melbourne up until the beginning of 2019 – I changed my job from a five-day to three-day job and I now work as the Personal Assistant to the Senior Pastor of our Church. I think life in Melbourne is a lot more unhurried and it gives me time to do the things I truly enjoy.

My eldest son is currently studying at the University, pursuing his dreams of being a secondary college teacher. My youngest son is just about to sit for his VCE exams in early November. My husband is in telecommunication as always. As far as family life goes, I couldn’t have asked for more; we enjoy the little things in life, those small moments of happiness surrounded by family is what I think everyone should look forward to. 

Q: What would you like to say to first-time writers who are reading this interview? 

Don’t be afraid! Make your own industry, make your own world, write your own stories. The best place you can look for ideas is yourself, because your take and your own interpretation on a book or movie or screenplay can be vastly different to someone else’s. Don’t worry about the sales and the distribution and reception and all that; that will happen when the time comes, just focus on writing on what you’re truly passionate about, and you’re halfway there.  

Q: Do you have another story in the pipeline? 

Oh, there’s something always brewing darling!