Spy Tiger: The 05 File is co-written by former spy Kagusthan Ariaratnam and Quebec-based journalist Michael Bramadat-Willcock.
NEW DELHI: What does survival mean in a world where loyalty is a liability and betrayal becomes a necessity?
This question permeates Spy Tiger: The 05 File, a memoir co-written by former spy Kagusthan Ariaratnam and Quebec-based journalist Michael Bramadat-Willcock.
Chronicling Ariaratnam’s harrowing journey from a forcibly recruited child soldier in Sri Lanka’s civil war to a reluctant informant for multiple intelligence agencies, the book offers a gripping narrative of resilience, trauma, and moral conflict.
The narrative is not merely a tale of espionage; it is a deeply personal account that illuminates the cost of war on the individual and collective psyche. By seamlessly blending personal memoir with historical testimony, Spy Tiger emerges as a compelling addition to the literature on conflict and survival.
At its heart, Spy Tiger is a story of transformation. The memoir’s structure mirrors the fragmented reality of its protagonist’s life, shifting between the innocence of youth, the chaos of war, and the murky world of intelligence.
Ariaratnam’s recounting of his abduction by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is stark and unflinching, setting the tone for a narrative that refuses to shy away from difficult truths. The descriptions of forced conscription, brutal training, and the psychological toll of combat and espionage are rendered with visceral detail.
Yet, the memoir does not dwell solely on tragedy. It captures moments of resistance and humanity, such as Ariaratnam’s secret solace in music—a defiance of the LTTE’s prohibition against personal joy.
These fleeting reprieves punctuate the relentless tension of the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the indomitable spirit of the human soul. While the rapid transitions between timelines can be disorienting, they effectively highlight the fragmented reality of a life shaped by conflict.
One of the memoir’s triumphs is its portrayal of Ariaratnam as a multidimensional figure. Far from the archetype of the stoic soldier or cunning spy, he emerges as a profoundly human character grappling with fear, guilt, and loss.
His rise from a conscripted child soldier to an intelligence operative is marked by moments of vulnerability and internal conflict followed by a lifetime of psychological trauma. The narrative delves into his doomed relationships, particularly with fellow LTTE cadre Nala, which add emotional depth and highlight the personal sacrifices demanded by war.
Supporting characters, though less fleshed out, serve as mirrors to Ariaratnam’s journey. The LTTE commanders, intelligence handlers, and Tamil diaspora figures each bring their motivations and complexities to the fore, enriching the narrative’s texture.
This coaction of characters elevates the memoir beyond a simple recounting of events, offering readers a nuanced exploration of loyalty and betrayal.
Survival is the memoir’s central theme, explored through the prism of moral ambiguity. Ariaratnam’s choices—whether to join the LTTE, collaborate with intelligence agencies, or flee to Canada—are dictated by necessity rather than ideology.
This moral compromise is poignantly captured in his reflections on being labelled a “traitor” by his own people. The memoir grapples with the weight of this accusation, presenting it not as a binary judgment but as a lens to examine the complexities of identity and loyalty.
Identity, both personal and collective, is another recurring theme. Ariaratnam’s Tamil heritage, juxtaposed with his role as an informant for Indian and Sri Lankan intelligence agencies, creates a tension that foster much of the narrative.
The memoir’s exploration of Tamil nationalism, diasporic struggles, and the LTTE’s transformation from a liberation movement to a militant organisation adds layers to this discourse.
The memoir situates Ariaratnam’s personal story within the broader canvas of the Sri Lankan civil war. From the LTTE’s operations to India’s geopolitical manoeuvres and the plight of Tamil refugees, the narrative provides a comprehensive view of one of South Asia’s most protracted conflicts.
The discussion of the MV Ocean Lady and MV Sun Sea migrant ships, which carried Tamil refugees to Canada, is particularly impactful. By highlighting Ariaratnam’s role in discrediting controversial anti-terrorism narratives, the memoir critiques the global counterterrorism policies that often conflate victims with perpetrators.
However, the book’s strength lies in its refusal to simplify the conflict into binaries of good and evil. It acknowledges the atrocities committed by all parties—the LTTE’s forced recruitment of children, use of human shields, and political assassinations, and the Sri Lankan government’s indiscriminate violence and systemic marginalisation of Tamils.
This balanced approach lends credibility and makes the memoir a valuable historical document.
The prose, while evocative, is characterised by a raw, unpolished quality that reflects the memoir’s authenticity. Michael Bramadat-Willcock’s role as co-author is evident in structuring complex narratives and the infusion of historical context.
The collaborative voice balances personal anecdotes and broader analysis, ensuring the memoir remains engaging without losing its gravitas.
That said, the narrative occasionally veers into repetition, particularly in its recounting of traumatic events. While this may be a deliberate stylistic choice to emphasise the cyclical nature of trauma, it risks diminishing the narrative’s overall impact.
Spy Tiger: The 05 File is more than a memoir; it is a visceral tale of resilience against all odds, a critique of systemic failures, and a call for reconciliation.
By blending personal experience with historical insight, Kagusthan Ariaratnam offers readers a window into the human cost of war and the moral labyrinth of survival.
While the memoir’s fragmented structure and raw prose may challenge some readers, its emotional depth and thematic richness make it a compelling read.
For anyone interested in the complexities of war, espionage, and identity, Spy Tiger is an essential addition to their bookshelf. It reminds readers that behind every conflict lie stories of individuals navigating impossible choices—stories that demand to be heard, understood, and remembered.
* Ashish Singh is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in defence, foreign affairs, and political reporting.