Aafir Mohammed
'Randidangazhi' by Thakazhi is a powerful work in historical fiction and political history set in pre-independence Kerala. The story reflects the life of lower-caste farmers in Kuttanadu region which one of the most important areas for producing rice then and now. Thakazhi explores the rise of a common farmer named Koran, our protagonist to a man fighting against the struggles and inequalities in the agrarian society. Eventually he became the face of opposition and the tension was spread across the nation among all lower-caste folk. Thakazhi's simple yet hooking storytelling provides the audience with an array of well crafted characters, as the story progresses some of them proved vital to the ongoing plot. The novel sheda light upon the socio-economic-political ongoings of the time and provides us with a good account of historical information. 'Randidangazhi' is must read for anyone and without doubt it's one of the greatest books Malayalam had ever produced.
A man's confrontation and struggle with what's real and what's not. The protagonist Sreenivasan met with an accident which changed the course of his life drastically, compelled him to believe that he can't have life's pleasures, which drove him mad. Wonderfully written psychological thriller by Malayattoor.
Animal Farm as mentioned in book cover is the ultimate satire on fascism. A timeless classic put up in the simplest way possible which even a kid with no political understanding could grasp. But the novel demonstrates vast political problems through the eyes of animals instead of being through man. Inspired from the communist atmosphere in Russia the work also portrays author's belief towards democracy. While the work simplified complex politics it may lead the readers to easy conclusions on the power dynamics of various ideologies and systems. Orwell was too critical on the matter and portrays communism as only as a bad conduct and denies the even good in it and promotes anti-communist norm amongst readers. Still the novel stands as an important work and even in these days is a thing for debates and discussions.
Benyamin’s Aadujeevitham is something the local readers may feel close to connect with. Drawing inspiration from real life events Benyamin blends reality with his own lines. The story's about a man named Najeeb and who's dreams and struggles led him abroad to Middle East. Which eventually gets him to a place he never dreamt of, deep in the desert as a goatherd. Working day and night with merely holding onto his life as a slave to his master. Benyamin's fine writing with simple yet gripping style draws the readers to the desert with Najeeb. Exploring the cruel and at the same time silent beauty of sands, the story goes through a series of experiences by Najeeb. His altering identity combined with his lose of existence led him through a road of blank life. It was often his faith and newly found hopes which drove him to clinging onto his last ounce of life. Readers will surely find pity on Najeeb, slowly losing himself and see himself leading a goat's life. A heartfelt story of human survival, hopes and desperation.