Chasing a Boomerang
Kay Alahakoon


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.