Novel set across 20th Century CEYLON

21st July 2026

The Hamilton Case by Michelle de Kretser, novel set across 20th Century CEYLON.

There is a lovely introduction to this novel by Damon Galgut, where he describes the author as wielding “language with such a wicked skill“, replete with images to thrill the nerves and brain. Furthermore he states that Ceylon is not only its setting but its subject. Indeed this story is a trawl back in time to the colonial era and at the heart is Sam Obeysekere, whose life is painted from childhood onwards. It is a searing portrait of the colonial period, very much of its era and really conjures up a sense of time and place.

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Sam is a product of empire and clearly leans towards colonial mores, looking down on others whilst forging his career at the bar. His big case is the Hamilton case which he hopes will establish his name, surely an open and shut case, but it proves to have a capricious trajectory and outcome.

This novel is, in essence, a story of family but it is also one of the country and its people, the struggles between the various ethnic factions – the Singhalese and the Tamils – the system of class and repression, with casual cruelty a part of everyday life. His mother, Maud, is always preening on the edge of his vision and needs managing, as she can be extremely careless of those around her.

Maud cosies up with Jaya, Sam’s nemesis at public school, and clearly supports the marriage between Jaya and Sam’s sister, Claudia, which proves to be a metaphorical dagger in Sam’s heart, a union which is bound to end badly. Jaya forges a colourful path in politics, whilst Sam, in comparison, leads a more mundane one, oftentimes stitched with bitterness. There are many characters who populate the pages, some adding depth, others make a fleeting, ephemeral appearance.

The big appeal of this novel is the rich descriptive prose, the real feel for the era and the country and the incredible writing. As the novel wends its way towards the end it still has the strength of storytelling but falters a little, it almost feels like the author circles around, pondering the concluding scenarios and then circles again, hesitant to come in for the final landing.

One of the most richly evocative novels – in terms of setting – I have ever read, it will offer a rewarding, historical backdrop for anyone wishing to explore this colonial aspect of the island’s history.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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