Nala and Rajan, a young couple, begin their married life in 1946, on the eve of Ceylon's independence from Britain. Arranged in marriage, they learn to love each other and protect their growing family, against the backdrop of increasing ethnic tension.
As the country descends into a bloody civil war, Nala and Rajan must decide which path is best for their family; and live with the consequences of their mistakes.
Over time, Nala and Rajan teach their family why some parts of their history and heritage are worth holding onto; and why some parts and people have to be left behind.
Song of the Sun God spans three continents and three generations of a family that remains dedicated to its homeland, whilst learning to embrace its new home.
Funny at times, warm and tender at others, we see Nala and Rajan's family navigate war, migration, old loyalties and new beginnings, relying on the philosophy of their religion, their ancestors and each other.
Song of the Sun God is about the wisdom, mistakes and sacrifices of our past that enable us to live more freely in the future. It is about finding home and forgiving family.
'Shabana Azeez is a soft-voiced narrator for this family epic set amid the transformation of Ceylon from a British colony into the nation of Sri Lanka. She delivers in rich detail the love story and dilemmas facing Nala and Rajan, two young people who become parents at a turbulent time in their emerging nation. Azeez inspires affection and sympathy from listeners, who may be unfamiliar with this history. For fans of international literature, this is a wonderful listening experience. Azeez takes listeners from the lives of parents Nala and Rajan to the lives of their children and even their grandchildren as the consequences of not-so-simple decisions echo down the generations. Azeez has listeners hanging on every word.' AudioFile