Postcards to Bentham - Vihanga Perera

The axiom in  Jeremy Bentham's philosophy, I learn ( upon trying to make sense of the title) is "it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong." From that point of view the short stories - more like vignettes, can be looked upon in two ways. Those that fall onto the happiness, real or supposed of the majority, and that of the narrator, who usually sits outside from the majority. It is from that position that he enjoys, the amazing "Mother" by Pink Floyd

"Mama's gonna make all of your
Nightmares come true
Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you
Mama's gonna keep you right here
Under her wing
She won't let you fly but she might let you sing
Mama will keep baby cosy and warm"

Hence we see vignettes where the majority celebrate May 18th, while the protagonist feel stifled; we see how the colonel's wife once convinced by her lover of her husband's role in the state machinery will go back to him once he's crowned a hero; we can see the subtle disdain that make up the luxuries of every day life - for the 'manipulated intelligent masses'.

Besides these there are few stories which are possibly more closer to the heart, and I too found more attractive - especially 'Sacred Avenues', which could possibly fit in an anthology of best  short stories by a Sri Lankan author - the fact that the gentleman in a gentleman could take a day off when the responsibilities are high, and many things are at stake. 'Teacher of Baffo' too is an interesting short story with an open ending - but where our protagonist ends up disappointment at least in the short term - possibly for ever "with that pupil". Out of the vignette model stories, "Photos of Rebellion" made the most impression to me.

I would've stated that this is a good collection to read outside of your main reading ( talking from a point of view that reading choices need to be careful, given our limited time - and that the best should come in first ), but this is not an easy read more than half the time. I enjoyed it more often than not - not - not, not ? - ok, more than half the time I read it.

Rating: ***
Self Publication (2014)