Those Were the Golden Days by Gloriana Selvanathan is a heartfelt memoir that vividly recounts the author’s childhood in Point Pedro, a coastal town in northern Sri Lanka, during the mid-20th century. Published in 2014 by Arima Publishing, this 252-page book serves as a nostalgic tribute to Selvanathan’s parents, whose love and Christian values profoundly shaped her early years. Written in clear, accessible prose for common readers and young audiences, the memoir weaves personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and historical context into a rich tapestry of a bygone era. It aims to evoke nostalgia for those who lived through similar times while offering younger generations a window into a vibrant, almost utopian past.
Structure and Content
The memoir is organized into 58 chapters, each exploring a distinct aspect of Selvanathan’s childhood, from the geography of Point Pedro to significant personal events like her appendicitis operation. The foreword sets the stage, explaining how the author’s storytelling at her English language school in Berlin, where she has resided for 29 years, inspired her to document these memories. The episodic structure allows readers to engage with individual stories independently, creating a collection of vignettes that together paint a comprehensive picture of her formative years. While this approach offers flexibility, it occasionally results in a non-linear narrative, with shifts between different periods and themes that may require readers to piece together the timeline.
Selvanathan’s descriptions of Point Pedro are a cornerstone of the memoir’s appeal. In Chapter 1, she brings the town to life with poetic imagery: “curving white beaches,” “vibrant colours of Bougainvilleas and Hibiscus,” and the “phosphorous shimmering” of the sea under moonlight. These vivid details anchor the narrative in a specific place, making the setting a compelling backdrop that feels almost like a character itself. She enriches the narrative with historical context, noting the town’s Tamil name, “Paruthithurai” (Cotton Harbour), and its colonial name, Point Pedro, attributed to a Dutch sailor. Such insights provide depth, illuminating the cultural and colonial influences that shaped the region.
At its core, the memoir is a celebration of family and community. Selvanathan portrays her parents, Mr. S.V. Gunanayagam and Mrs. Gnanamani Gunanayagam, as compassionate and wise figures. Her father, a teacher at the Boys’ College, and her mother, a retired deputy principal, instilled resilience and faith in their children. Anecdotes like the mango-stealing incident (Chapter 11), where her father disciplines her but later expresses empathy, reveal his nuanced approach to parenting. The account of her mother’s recovery from a slip disc during her sister’s wedding (Chapter 57) highlights the family’s unity and faith in adversity. Beyond her immediate family, Selvanathan shares stories of neighbors, local traditions, and events like the 1962 tornado that miraculously spared her home (Chapter 56), illustrating the interconnectedness of Point Pedro’s diverse community, where Hindu, Christian, and Muslim influences coexisted harmoniously.
The memoir also delves into cultural practices that add texture to the narrative. Chapters on local fruits (Chapter 50) and home medicines (Chapter 51) offer fascinating insights into Sri Lankan culinary and medicinal traditions, from the sticky sweetness of jackfruit to herbal remedies for ailments like migraines. Selvanathan’s recollections of childhood mischief—sneaking into the cinema hall or climbing trees for fruit—capture the universal joys of youth, making the stories relatable and engaging.
Strengths and Appeal
The memoir’s authenticity is its greatest strength. Selvanathan writes with sincerity, capturing the joys, challenges, and nuances of her childhood without overly romanticizing the past. Her anecdotes, whether about the thrill of eating stolen mangoes or the awe of watching the sea’s changing colors, are vivid and evocative. The inclusion of photographs, though sometimes noted as being of modest quality, adds a personal touch, allowing readers to visualize the people and places that shaped her life.
The book’s exploration of universal themes—family bonds, cultural heritage, and the enduring power of memory—makes it resonate with a broad audience. Selvanathan’s reflections on preserving her Sri Lankan roots for her children and granddaughter speak to the longing to bridge cultural and generational gaps, a theme particularly poignant for diaspora communities. Her dedication to her parents and the epilogue’s emphasis on their lasting influence lend the memoir emotional depth, reinforcing its role as a tribute to their legacy.
Selvanathan’s prose is clear and engaging, aligning with her goal of reaching common readers and young people. The language is straightforward, with moments of humor drawn from family and school anecdotes (Chapter 53), such as playful jabs at teachers’ quirks, balancing more somber moments like her mother’s illness or a tragic university incident. This accessibility ensures the memoir appeals to both older readers seeking nostalgia and younger ones curious about a different time and place. While the prose occasionally features minor grammatical inconsistencies, such as “wears and tares” (page 9) instead of “wear and tear,” these do not significantly detract from the narrative’s warmth and sincerity.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Those Were the Golden Days serves as a valuable cultural and historical document, preserving the traditions and lifestyle of mid-20th-century Point Pedro, a world transformed by modernization and conflict. Selvanathan’s detailed accounts of markets, festivals, and community dynamics offer a rare glimpse into a specific time and place. Her references to colonial influences, such as the renaming of Barber’s Bridge (Chapter 10), underscore the lasting impact of British and Dutch rule on Sri Lankan identity, providing context for readers interested in post-colonial history.
The memoir’s focus on migration and cultural preservation is particularly relevant for readers navigating the challenges of diaspora life. Selvanathan’s desire to share her heritage reflects a universal struggle to maintain cultural ties, making the book a meaningful read for those seeking to reconnect with their roots. For international readers, some references to local traditions or historical events may require additional context, but the memoir’s emotional core ensures its accessibility across cultures.
Final Words
Those Were the Golden Days is a touching and evocative memoir that celebrates the simplicity and richness of childhood in a Sri Lankan coastal town. Gloriana Selvanathan’s vivid storytelling, authentic anecdotes, and cultural insights create a compelling narrative that honors her parents and her heritage. The episodic structure and occasional need for cultural context may require some adjustment from readers, but the book’s emotional depth, universal themes, and historical significance make it a rewarding read. It succeeds in its mission to evoke nostalgia and inspire younger generations to appreciate a vibrant past. For those seeking a story of family, resilience, and cultural identity, this memoir offers a warm and meaningful journey.
