The novel Reef by Romesh Gunesekera is about a boy named Triton. The novel marks his coming of age. As the novel progresses, young Triton grows from a boy to a man. Triton at the age of eleven” and “I told him I had a business near a restaurant” (Gunesekera1), this shows that he had grown from a boy to a man. Triton experiences a series of events that determine his coming of age. In my essay I will explore these events of an insider and an outsider. In my first paragraph I will talk about the relationship between Mr. Salgado and Nili. The relationship between Mr. Salgado and Nili crossed or broke the boundaries of the social context, because they came from a different religion that was not accepted at the time. Nili was Christian, as is indicated when she says "a Christmas celebration", this indicates that she is Christian because it is only Christians who celebrate Christmas. Mr. Salgado is a Buddhist. When the lovelorn Mr. Salgado becomes more relaxed and calm he even forgets about the Carol Reef project. Nili's arrival in the house also brought joy and happiness to Mr. Slagado's life. Their relationship involved Triton in some way, because now Nili and Triton got along. That's why the Tritons felt like family. However later Mr. Salgado and Nili separate, because Mr. Salgado suspects that Nili is cheating on him with Robert. This is in the context of the country colonized by Americans. This follows their intense argument, during which Mr. Salgado is subjected to Nili's whispered curses as they returned from the party. This period is similar to the political turmoil surrounding them. Indicates a spoiled paradise. Where people of different religion don't get along, due to failure...middle of the paper...one is educated, that's why he says "Stupid Kolla" (Gunesekera154), wished that he too should go to school so you can't be left out. In my conclusion I would say that Triton's coming of age traces the path he has traveled. Entering Mr. Salgado's house as a naive and fearful boy. He later leaves as an experienced and competent cook. Triton aims to elevate himself both socially and politically. He realizes that exile marks for him the beginning of the realization of his dreams. Now he is aware that a school certificate distinguishes him from minorities. It distinguishes a boy from a man, a servant from an intellect with all these realizations in mind. He embarks on a journey, he needs something else to strengthen himself. When Mr. Salgado returns to Sri Lanka, he is left alone and that is when he finally lives the life he had dreamed of. Become the best chef and own a restaurant.