Opening with a thrilling depiction of an overland trek from Cambridge, UK to Bombay, India, Migel Jayasinghe presents us with an eclectic assortment of anecdotes, short tales, poems, and a singular one-act play in his aptly titled work, A Literary Smorgasbord: Memoir, Fiction, and Poetry.

Jayasinghe’s self-styled ‘quirky bio’ forms the groundwork of the book along with the initial five stories, which he terms ‘memoirs.’ These segments provide an autobiographical exploration of his life’s pivotal experiences and diverse career paths. He’s candidly forthright, noting that only those incidents with a substantial impression on his memory are portrayed, bearing in mind the inherent fallibility of memory itself. A narrative reminiscent of Wodehouse, depicting a memorable drive to Bombay, transitions into more simplified anecdotes and synopses of a life that has witnessed its fair share of challenges, these being more implied than overtly described.

Within 15 short stories, Jayasinghe’s prose captures his retired life in Spain, his apprehensions about finances, the immigrant experience in Britain, the struggles faced by social workers, amusing misunderstandings, convivial evenings out, and reflections on his driving skills. These stories are concise and digestible, yet they embody the author’s life themes and his keen observations.

The 31 poems reveal the author’s deep connection with poetry through his innovative linguistic playfulness. Lines such as ‘a runaway world careers into oblivion’ (from ‘Endgame’) and ‘Blithely blinkered in rose-tinted glasses/we ignore the reckoning—it fast approaches’ (from ‘The Reckoning’) delight the reader. Drawing inspiration from nature, everyday cultural nuances, and critiques of mass media’s influence, these poems are succinct, graceful, and at times, infused with light-hearted humor, with ‘Scribe’ standing out as a personal favorite.

Further, the one-act play’ Market Forces’, which leverages Jayasinghe’s psychology background, delivers a comedic snapshot that leaves readers amused by the protagonist’s cynicism and ultimate stroke of genius.

A Literary Smorgasbord: Memoir, Fiction, and Poetry is an eclectic collection of writing that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Jayasinghe’s writing style is endearing, and his knack for narrating anecdotes ensures sustained reader engagement. These fascinating works are valuable additions to the canon of British literature.

Pages: 196 | ISBN : 1087990289