Translator: Malani Govinnage
Sarasavi Publishers, Nugegoda
102 pages
Price: Rs 325
Malani Govinnage’s Dupathe Abhirahasa is the authentic Sinhala translation of R.F. Kristi’s popular Serendipity Mystery which is the seventh standalone book in the Diary of a Snoopy Cat series illustrated by Valle. Siberian detective Kitty heads a team of feline siblings and other furry friends. While she and her friends spend the holidays in Sri Lanka, Kitty hears that a valuable antique sword has been stolen from the city’s museum.
Being a snoopy detective, Kitty feels that she could solve the mystery. She sets out with her detective team and a few animal friends to recover the missing national treasure. Will she be able to catch the thief? What other discoveries will she make in the process?
The entertaining story highlights certain values for children which are friendship and teamwork. According to the author, having different cultures is not a hindrance to make new friends. The story demonstrates that everyone has their own skills and potential to contribute to society and be of help to each other. The storyline is easy to follow and the illustrations are eye-catching.
The translator has preserved the original flavour of the story with her simple language and expressions.