Reef By Romesh Gunesekera Summary

The novel, “Reef” by Romesh Gunesekera is essentially a story of growth and right of passage. The story revolves around the young, naive protagonist Triton, who is employed by Mr. Salgodo as a housekeeper and eventual cook. Triton appears to have a sense of infatuation with Mr Salgado and has a very high regard of him to the point where Triton views him as a mentor of sorts. The extract above is the culmination of a series of events leading to the demise of Tritons naivety, and ultimately, his coming to consciousness. Triton appears to experience disbelief during the argument between Salgado and Nilli. As he narrates the event as it unfolds, it is apparent that he has not seen Mr Salgado and Nilli in this particular light, especially Mr Salgado. …show more content…
The first chapter of the book, “Kolla”; Triton appears to be captivated by the way Salgado spoke and carried himself. Triton reaffirms this notion by stating in the passage, “Ever after, when Mister Salgado spoke, I would be captivated. I could lose myself in his voice; this happened not only on that first day, but frequently over many years”, (Gunesekera 7). Salgado or the idea of him could appear to be romanticized by Triton, he is often referred to as “My Mister Salgado”, (Gunesekera 42). Triton always appears to speak of Salgado in high regard and identifies all the positive attributes that he possesses, he notes in (Gunesekera 23) that Salgado is great at making lists. However trivial this may appear to be, Triton perceives these small attributes as great qualities. Triton also thinks highly of Nili, when Nili makes her appearance in a “Cook’s Joy”; Triton seeks her approval during her visits with Salgado. It becomes apparent that Triton values Nili’s approval as much as he does Salgado’s approval when he states that “I needed his praise and I needed her praise”,(Gunesekera 66). Furthermore, Triton makes mention in (Gunesekra 72) that he likes Nili. In his statement, “She