Standstill cover art

Standstill

The art of evading my problems across three continents

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Standstill

By: Sashi Perera
Narrated by: Sashi Perera
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About this listen

After cancelling a destination wedding in Sri Lanka at the eleventh hour, most people would take a moment to regroup. Not Sashi - insisting she's unfazed, she plunges into working with international refugee organisations around the world. Those sleepless nights are for reflecting on chaotic romances, work stress and transient lifestyles, right?

After one too many messy experiences, Sashi must accept that life is at a standstill. She returns to Australia where her reality stinks. But that just might be where she needs to be.

From online comedy sensation Sashi Perera, Standstill is a memoir of reluctant self-discovery by a person forced towards a mirror kicking and screaming, finally looking in and saying, Oh shit. It's for anyone who's lost their identity, relationship or place in the world and hesitated every step along the journey to get them back.

©2025 Sashi Perera (P)2025 Penguin Random House Australia Audio

Critic Reviews

'Brilliant, vulnerable and hilarious. Sashi Perera has given us a comedy, a tragedy, a memoir, a polemic and an instruction manual on self-forgiveness. I laughed and cried, often at the same time.' SHANKARI CHANDRAN

'This book is chaos. This book is laughter and love. This book is a friend. Give it to someone who struggles, to someone you love, someone who needs to forgive themselves. Give it to you. I adored it.' FREDRIK BACKMAN

'This book isn't just funny (which, obviously) - it's also a deep dive into identity and belonging. Even when she's in a hectic shame spiral, completely adrift (which, let's be honest, happens a lot, Sashi), she's still relentlessly searching for meaning in a world that sometimes feels like it's lost its own. Bloody impressive. I loved every page. It's brilliant.' EM RUSCIANO
All stars
Most relevant
Sashi Perera has a beautiful voice. I loved listening to this book. Great stories and great storytelling.

Unhinged story told in an elegant voice

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There is SO much to like about this book. The full sensory descriptions of so many locations around the world. The heart-stopping accuracy of its depictions of international living, refugee programs, and dealing with your family history. But most of all, the author's authenticity makes everything feel comfortable - like a chat over coffee. A wonderful read I'll be recommending to everyone and re-reading many times in future.

Beautiful journey through time and across the world

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.