Carl Muller facts for kids

Kala Keerthi Carl Muller (born October 22, 1935 – died December 2, 2019) was a famous Sri Lankan writer, poet, and journalist. He won many awards for his books. He is especially known for his three books about the Burgher community in Sri Lanka: The Jam Fruit Tree, Yakada Yaka, and Once Upon A Tender Time.

Carl Muller won the Gratiaen Award for The Jam Fruit Tree in 1993. He also received a State Literary Award for his historical novel, Children of the Lion. He was the first writer from Sri Lanka to have a book published all over the world!

Who Was Carl Muller?

Carl Muller was a talented writer from Sri Lanka. He was known for telling amazing stories. He wrote about many different things, from history to everyday life. His books often shared unique insights into Sri Lankan culture.

Early Life and Career

Carl Muller was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on October 22, 1935. He was the oldest of thirteen children. He went to school at Prestigious Royal College, Colombo. When he was eighteen, he joined the Royal Ceylon Navy as a signalman. This means he helped send messages using signals.

After his time in the Navy, he briefly served in the Ceylon Army. Later, he worked for the Colombo Port Commission as a signals officer. Carl Muller then decided to try journalism. He moved to the Middle East with his wife, Sortain Harris, to work at newspapers there. He spent many years working as a journalist. Carl Muller passed away on December 2, 2019, at the age of 84 in Kandy.

His Amazing Books

Carl Muller wrote many different kinds of books. He was very good at telling stories. Some of his most famous works include novels, historical fiction, and even stories for children.

Novels and Historical Tales

Carl Muller is best known for his trilogy about the Burgher community. These books are The Jam Fruit Tree, Yakada Yaka, and Once Upon A Tender Time. The Jam Fruit Tree even won the Gratiaen Prize!

He also wrote exciting historical novels. These include Colombo – A Novel and Children of the Lion. Children of the Lion won the State Literary Award. Another historical book he wrote was City of the Lion.

Here are some of his other novels:

• The Jam Fruit Tree (1993)
• Yakada Yaka (1994)
• Once Upon A Tender Time (1995)
• Spit and Polish
• Maudiegirl and the von Bloss Kitchen

Stories for Kids

Carl Muller also wrote books especially for younger readers. These stories are fun and educational.

• Ranjit Discovers Where Kandy Began (1992)
• The Python of Pura Malai and other stories

Other Writings

Carl Muller was a very busy writer. He wrote short stories, essays, and poetry too.

• Short Stories:
  • A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery
  • Birdsong & Other Tales
  • All God's Children (2004)
  • The Python of Pura Malai and Other Stories
  • Wedding Night (2007)
• Essays:
  • Firing at Random
• Poetry:
  • Father Samaan and the Devil
  • Sri Lanka – A Lyric
  • Propitiations
  • A Bedlam of Persuasions
  • Clouds over my Senses
  • Read Me in Silence
  • The Thin Red Line
  • Our Star ship and its Sorry Crew

Legacy

Carl Muller left behind a wonderful collection of books. He is remembered as a pioneering Sri Lankan author. His stories continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. He helped share the unique culture and history of Sri Lanka with the world.