Internationally acclaimed novelist and scholar, Chandani Lokugé’s 16 books include three novels and a book of short stories. The novels are 'If the Moon Smiled', 'Turtle Nest, and 'Softly, As I leave You'. 'If the Moon Smiled' was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award for Best Book; 'Softly, as I leave you' was awarded the Godage National (Sir Lanka) Literary Award for Best Novel. Chandani’s novels have been translated into French, Greek and Hindi. Her short stories and personal essays are widely anthologized. She is currently Associate Professor of Creative Writing and Literary Studies at Monash University.