Purity and Hope is the first published collection of the work of Aruni McShane, a poet and essayist whose writing builds a bridge between her native Sri Lanka and her adopted home in Wales.

As Sri Lanka celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence from Britain, one of its gifted artists shares her own journey towards creative independence and a renewal of her own identity, and sketches a portrait of the fierce, selfless love of a mother for her children.

Aruni McShane came to the UK in search of safety. In the short time that Aruni had lived in Swansea, she has already made a substantial contribution to local life through her volunteering activities. She has both received and given support. She has won Swansea university Sanctuary Scholarship in 2022, and currently reading for her Masters in creative writing.