Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Reef
Literary Fiction· Sri Lanka

Reef

by Romesh Gunesekera
Aggregate Editorial Score41/100
★Booker Prize
Published 1994English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 1994, Reef established Romesh Gunesekera as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. This novel tells the story of Triton, a young servant in a Sri Lankan household, and his relationship with his employer, Mr. Salgado. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, the book explores themes of change, loss, and the passage of time. Gunesekera's evocative prose and rich character development have made 'Reef' a classic in contemporary Sri Lankan literature. Themes of change and loss, servitude, political unrest run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorRomesh Gunesekera
Published1994
Country of Origin🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781862070747
Editorial Score41/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

This book is part of Sri Lanka's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Sri Lanka →

Awards & Recognition

Booker Prize
shortlist · global
19940
✍️
About the Author
Romesh Gunesekera
Sri Lanka
View Author →
Happy Children
The Parenting Companion
Happy Children
What Evolution Actually Built Your Child’s Emotions For
Your child’s emotions are not the problem. They are the operating system.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
★Pulitzer Prize★Hugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reef about?

This novel tells the story of Triton, a young servant in a Sri Lankan household, and his relationship with his employer, Mr. Salgado. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, the book explores themes of change, loss, and the passage of time. Gunesekera's evocative prose and rich character development have made 'Reef' a classic in contemporary Sri Lankan literature.

Who wrote Reef?

Reef was written by Romesh Gunesekera, from Sri Lanka. First published in 1994.

What awards has Reef won?

Reef has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Reef worth reading?

Reef is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 41/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in change and loss, servitude, political unrest.

Where can I buy Reef?

You can buy Reef on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Reef?

Reef is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Reef from?

Reef originates from Sri Lanka's literary tradition. Explore more books from Sri Lanka on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇱🇰Books from Sri Lanka🇱🇰 Sri Lanka literature📅1990s BooksPublished in the 1990s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time