Overview of Po Book Details & Publication Info

Book Details & Publication Info

• Title: Po (Sinhala: පෝ)

• Author: Muthumudalige Nissanka (Nissh Em)

• Publication Year: 2021 — First edition

• Publisher: Muthumudalige Holdings

• Page Count: Approximately 275–280 pages booksy.lkpothmee.comsilvabookshop.lk

• ISBN: 978-624-5552-01-6 booksy.lk

Genre & Thematic Elements

• Genres: Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Detective

• Key Themes: Transgender sexuality, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Muthumudalige Nissankapothmee.com

This novel stands out as a genre-blending exploration of crime and psychological complexity—placing underrepresented identities at its core.

Narrative Voice & Excerpts

The novel features emotionally evocative writing. A poignant passage from the book reads:

“…remember, son, I wasn’t born by choice as a eunuch. Had God decided before my birth, should you be born as a eunuch or as a proper man? I’ll definitely choose to be a man. I also want to live that way. But what can I do… this is how I was born. Yet the world we live in doesn’t think like that. In their minds, we are undeniably eunuchs. Even with the ability to be a man, we live the life of eunuchs.”
— Narrator reflecting on identity and societal perception Goodreadspothmee.combooksy.lk

Further emotional resonance is provided through the narrator’s father’s words:

“He led a life that was not chosen—it was what he was given. He had two options: live this life or die without being labeled a eunuch.”
“He had the strength to die—had he not met his mother, and through her love, everything changed. That love made him fight to live.” Goodreadspothmee.combooksy.lk

Summary & Interpretation

Po is a bold and moving novel that resides at the intersection of crime thriller and psychological exploration. It follows a character (perhaps grappling with transgender identity and DID) whose life is shaped by societal stigmas and internal conflict.

Key elements to highlight:

• Emotional core: The protagonist wrestles with identity in a world that refuses to accept difference, yet finds strength through familial love.

• Genre layering: While there’s an element of crime or mystery driving the plot, the true heart of the story lies in personal struggle, resilience, and self-acceptance.

• Narrative power: Written in a sincere and evocative style, the novel offers empathy and insight into heavily marginalized experiences.

Reception & Reader Impact

On Goodreads, the novel receives significant recognition:

• One review praises Nissanka’s portrayal of DID and transgender identity, especially acknowledging the layered characterization and symbolic cover art. The reviewer describes the story as “a masterpiece”—noting that up until the climax, it was unclear whether Neil was villain or hero. This ambiguity and emotional depth are deemed “unbelievably great” Goodreads.

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