Nadee Fernando - o’driscoll Author of Labyrinth of Dreams, a Story of Identity, Resilience and Belonging

Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll is an emerging author whose debut novel, Labyrinth of Dreams, is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, family and the social expectations that shape people’s lives. Inspired by a deeply personal family discovery, the novel grew from her desire to understand the choices, circumstances and cultural beliefs that had influenced her family.
At the heart of Labyrinth of Dreams is the complex search for identity, understanding and connection. Through the experiences of its characters, the novel explores sensitive and often difficult subjects, including adoption stigma, gender inequality, the harmful belief that a woman’s worth is connected to her virginity, and the stigma surrounding divorce. Rather than simply presenting these issues, Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll uses storytelling to question the attitudes and assumptions that allow such prejudices to persist. In keeping with the novel’s themes of challenging traditional expectations and encouraging positive change, Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll chose to mark its release in a meaningful way. Instead of holding a traditional book launch, she organised a book launch and fundraiser in support of Women in Need, an organisation that supports vulnerable women. The approach reflects her belief that established traditions can evolve to serve people and communities better.

Words - Sachini Perera
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi
Location - Taj Samudra, Colombo

Congratulations on the launch of Labyrinth of Dreams. What first inspired the story, and how did it evolve from the initial idea into the finished novel?

The novel was inspired by the discovery that I have a sister who was given up for adoption. As I approached my 50th birthday, I struggled to understand why my devoted parents had kept this secret, especially as my father had always taught us never to abandon family. This discovery made me reflect deeply on my family’s history and the reasons behind the choices that had been made. While writing, I realised the story was shaped not only by my family’s experiences but also by the social values and prejudices that influenced their choices. What began as a personal attempt to understand my family gradually became a broader exploration of how society can influence individual lives. The novel became a way to challenge outdated beliefs, encourage understanding and start meaningful conversations about acceptance and change.