Gikor (Sinhala: ගිකෝර්) as translated by Muthumudalige Nissanka

Book Details & Context

• Title: Gikor (ගිකෝර්)

• Original Author: Hovhannes Tumanyan, a literary icon of Armenia

• Translator: Muthumudalige Nissanka (Nissh Em)
  (turn0search2 • turn0search0 • turn0search3)

• Genre: Children’s classic / Translation

• Publication Year: 2019

• Pages: Approximately 64 pages in the translated edition

• Publisher: PothMee Publishers (also distributed via Grantha)
  (turn0search7 • turn0search2)

Overview & Significance

Tumanyan’s Gikor is often likened to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in terms of emotional resonance and cultural tradition—it’s widely beloved and read during holidays and family gatherings in Armenia.
(turn0search0 • turn0search3)

The story centers on Gikor, a young rural boy sent to the city by his father with hopes of a better life. The tale unfolds as a deeply moving exploration of childhood innocence, hardship, and the emotional bonds of home.
(turn0search4 • turn0search7)

Through his translation, Nissanka brings this Armenian literary treasure to Sinhala readers, preserving both its simplicity and emotional power.
(turn0search2 • turn0search7)

Translator’s Reflection

Nissanka describes translating Gikor as “a profound blessing,” emphasizing Tumanyan’s stature in Armenian literature as a writer whose works are universally cherished—from city-dwellers to remote village communities.
(turn0search0, turn0search3)

He notes that the narrative teaches compassion, resilience, and empathy, thus serving not just as a story but as a moral guide for young hearts.
(turn0search0 • turn0search7)

Reception and Legacy

• Goodreads lists the Sinhala translation, with strong reviews: readers praise its emotional depth, faithful translation, and the poignant storyline of Gikor’s journey from innocence to the weight of adult realities.
  (turn0search6)

• A blog review highlights the narrative as a universally touching reflection on poverty and parental sacrifice, noting that even in translation, the sadness and beauty retain their power.
  (turn0search4)

Quick Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Gikor is more than a translated text—it’s a hand-off of cultural heritage and emotional legacy. Nissanka’s translation allows Sinhala readers to experience the same tenderness, sorrow, and humanity that Armenian families have passed down for generations.