The Bridges We Cross
Chasing a Boomerang
Kay Alahakoon
Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - February 1, 2026
In The Echoes We Carry: Stories of Unfinished Lives, Kay Alahakoon masters a difficult literary feat: making the monumental feel intimate. Much like the stripped-back clarity found in “Twelve and One” or the contemplative depth of “Past the Easel,” this collection strips away the noise of melodrama to focus on the quiet vibrations of the human heart.
I found that the strength of this collection lies in its restraint. Alahakoon doesn’t feel the need to shout. Whether the setting is the vibrant landscape of Sri Lanka or the sprawling suburbs of Australia, or in a corporate setting, the prose remains grounded and deceptively simple.
Like the artist Sam in “Past the Easel,” wrestling with the space between the brushstroke and romance.
In the story “Twelve and One,” I found the author’s symbolism in decisions made in a work environment and a jury room so similar that I felt I was right there in both moments of the story.
The Echoes We Carry is a rare find. It’s for the reader who doesn’t need a neatly tied bow at the end of a story.
I purchased this book and enjoyed every second I read her work. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by J. f. Nodar- April 30, 2025
“The Bridges We Cross” by Australian author Ms Kay Alahakoon is a solid hit. It brings the two main protagonists, Sahan Randunu, and Rukmi Dodanwala as two Sri Lankan lovers from different worlds battling family drama, money issues, and their own demons.
It was such an easy-to-read novel because the author made the characters so natural, so human, so likeable easily, letting this reader to get to know each of them.
With each chapter, get a genuine sense of what makes them tick. Their fears, their inner thoughts, and this drives the story forward.
Flipping the point of view back and forth between Sahan and Rukmi, Ms Alahakoon added another way to get into the characters’ minds and feelings.
I rarely read romantic stories, but I enjoyed this book because it depicts romance from a distinct cultural background and how individuals must adapt their lives to meet expectations as their story explores social inequalities, family issues, and outdated views.
“The Bridges We Cross” is a novel to be devoured and I urge you to try it.
Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - July 20, 2024
Chasing a Boomerang by Kay Alahakoon is a captivating novel exploring love, friendship, and resilience. Set between two cultures, it follows Ishani Ruwini Gamege’s journey to reinvent herself in Sydney, away from her dreams and first love in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In Sydney, Ishani becomes Issy, and faces many challenges as she navigates the unfamiliar Australian landscape, learning the nuances of its culture and slang. Alahakoon vividly portrays Issy’s struggle and self-discovery.
Along the way, Issy finds herself flatmates that become her new family each with their own issues but always sticking together and as she forms deep connections with her flatmates she finds unexpected support, including from Jason who captures her heart.
Jason, however, is aloof, but is he?
Through these experiences, she evolves, embodying strength, independence, and authenticity.
Violence is also present in Issy’s life as she encounters attempts on her person and then has the unfortunate luck of falling for a weak male Chamara who is both charming and manipulative.
Through it all, Issy still holds hope in her life that Jason sees her as more than a friend.
In conclusion, Chasing a Boomerang reads like a fairy tale but is a remarkable tale of love, friendship, and courage, beautifully intertwined with the immigrant experience. Kay Alahakoon’s storytelling is a must read and I highly recommend it.
