Where God Began | Hardcover

Where God Began by Appadurai Muttulingam, translated by Kavitha Muralidharan, is a literary novel set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil War. It follows Nishant, a young Tamil man whose parents arrange his illegal journey to Canada after fearing he may become involved with the Tamil Tigers. As he is moved across borders by human smugglers, the novel offers a moving portrayal of exile, displacement and the uncertain paths taken by refugees seeking safety.

Rather than focusing solely on conflict or life after resettlement, the novel examines the perilous journey between home and refuge. Blending compassion with understated humour, it explores the emotional and practical realities faced by migrants whose lives are shaped by war, borders and the hope of a safer future.

About This Book

Nishant's journey takes him through multiple countries as he is passed from one agent to another, crossing borders, facing deportations and meeting fellow refugees from South Asia and Africa. Each encounter reveals different experiences of displacement while highlighting the shared uncertainty that accompanies forced migration.

Appadurai Muttulingam presents the refugee journey with humanity and nuance, balancing moments of irony with the hardships of exile. Through Nishant's experiences, Where God Began reflects on the loss of home, identity and history while examining the resilience required to navigate an unpredictable world.

What You'll Discover

• A literary novel set during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
• Nishant's journey across international borders in search of safety.
• The realities of illegal migration and refugee journeys.
• Encounters with displaced people from South Asia and Africa.
• Themes of exile, identity, loss and resilience.
• A narrative that blends compassion with understated humour.

Perfect For

• Readers of literary fiction.
• Those interested in stories of migration and displacement.
• Readers exploring fiction inspired by the Sri Lankan Civil War.
• Fans of translated world literature.

Why You'll Love This Book

Where God Began offers a thoughtful and deeply human perspective on exile and migration by focusing on the often-overlooked journey between conflict and refuge. Its compelling storytelling and nuanced exploration of identity and belonging make it a memorable work of contemporary literary fiction.