Chemmeen - Softcover

Thakazi Sivasankara Pillai; Anita Nair

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9350290863 ISBN 13: 9789350290866

Publisher: HarperCollins India, 2011

Synopsis

First published in 1956, Chemmeen tells the story of the relationship between Karutthamma, a Hindu woman from the fisherfolk community, and Pareekkutty, the son of a Muslim fish wholesaler. Unable to live with the man she loves, Karutthamma marries Palani, who, despite the scandal about his wife's past, never stops trusting her, a trust that is reaffirmed each time he goes to sea and comes back safe since the 'sea-mother' myth among the fishermen community goes that the safe return of a fisherman depends on the fidelity of his wife. Then, one night, Karutthamma and Pareekkutty meet and their love is rekindled while Palani is at sea, baiting a shark ...

About this title

About the Author:

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (1912 1999) was a Malayali novelist and short story writer whose work focused on the oppressed classes. His best-known works include Kayar and Chemmeen. He won the Kendra Sahitya Academy award in 1958 and the Jnanpith award in 1984. Anita Nair is the author of The Better Man, Ladies Coupé, Mistress and Lessons in Forgetting. Her books have been translated into thirty languages all over the world.

Review:

"The reissuing of this book is important for feminist literature in the 21st century. While the novel demonstrates the progress women have made against their subjugation, Karuthamma’s tragic story also serves as a reminder of the persistence of misogyny and the courage it takes to resist it." (Open Letters Monthly)

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins India
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 9350290863
• ISBN 13: 9789350290866
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276