The Hamilton Case by Michelle De Kretser

The Hamilton Case by Michelle de Kretser is a richly layered literary mystery set in colonial Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and moral ambiguity. The novel centres on Sam Obeysekere, a privileged yet alienated Ceylonese lawyer who gains fame for solving the titular Hamilton murder case. As Sam narrates his life story, the novel delves into his complex relationship with his eccentric family, the waning British Empire, and his own unraveling psyche. With elegant prose and shifting perspectives, de Kretser crafts a haunting portrait of a man caught between cultures and illusions, revealing how personal and national histories intertwine with tragic consequences.