About a decade ago, I realised how Eurocentric my reading list was. Since then, I’ve been trying to make an effort to diversify my reading list as much as possible. I look for books and stories from all different parts of the world and from different genres. A couple of years ago, I delved into translated literature from Indian languages and what a revelation it has been. One of the most impactful and authentic contemporary authors I’ve come across is Perumal Murugan.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Murugan weaves narratives that delve into the heart of societal complexities, human emotions, and the timeless struggles of ordinary lives. Among his remarkable repertoire stand three jewels that shine with particular brilliance: Poonachi, Pyre, and Firebird.

Discovering the Author: Perumal Murugan

Perumal Murugan is a prominent contemporary Tamil writer known for his novels, short stories, and poetry. He was born on December 13, 1966, in Tamil Nadu, India. Murugan’s works often delve into the lives of ordinary people in rural Tamil Nadu, exploring themes such as caste, gender, and societal norms.

One of his most well-known novels is “Madhorubhagan” (translated into English as One Part Woman). The novel sparked controversy upon its release due to its portrayal of a cultural ritual known as “niyoga,” where childless women are permitted to have intercourse with men other than their husbands to conceive. This controversy led to protests and threats against the author, causing him to announce his retirement from writing in 2015.

However, Murugan later resumed writing, and his works continue to receive critical acclaim for their depth, sensitivity, and exploration of complex social issues. 

Poonachi: The Story of a Black Goat

Poonachi transports readers into rural Tamil Nadu, where the protagonist is a spirited black goat. The book starts off as an innocuous story about a baby goat but evolves into a commentary about life, humanity, and government. 

The story is woven expertly, so you don’t even realise that things have taken a turn for the worst. There are some events that are described that could be connected to the present political climate, but most of all it speaks about how we adapt and change to survive.

As the story unfolds, we witness Poonachi’s journey from her humble beginnings as a vulnerable kid to her role as a cherished companion within a small rural household. Yet, amidst the simplicity of her existence, Poonachi confronts the harsh realities of life, including hunger, exploitation, and the relentless struggle for survival in an unforgiving world.

The moment that struck me was when the young goat cried in pain, prompting the others to pause and look on. However, when another kid cried out, they had grown accustomed to the sound and resumed grazing, indifferent. Isn’t that reflective of our tendency to become desensitised to suffering in our own lives?

Fire Bird

In this enchanting tale, Perumal Murugan leads us on a mythic journey of self-discovery. 

​​Muthu is forced to leave his ancestral home in search of a new piece of land after being cheated out of his share of the family property. 

Muthu’s wife, Peruma, is the youngest daughter-in-law and the target of her mother-in-law’s harsh criticisms. It is upon her insistence that Muthu takes the bold step of leaving his family.

His wife insists they move to a new land where no one knows them, and they can start afresh. 

We travel with Muthu and his companion, Kuppanna, as they search for a new home. We also learn what transpired with Muthu’s family that caused him to be at this junction. What also comes across is a farmer’s bond with their land and farm animals.

Set against the backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu, he talks about how relationships change over time over seemingly trivial matters. It is a simple tale told with much feeling. You want them to succeed in finding their peace and pride away from petty family politics. 

Although it is about a farmer, it could resonate with anyone trying to leave the old behind while forging a new path ahead.

Pyre

In Pyre, Perumal Murugan unflinchingly confronts the entrenched caste dynamics that pervade rural Tamil Nadu, laying bare the brutal realities of oppression and discrimination. 

It is a love story filled with hatred. Perumal makes us fall in love one minute with the tender romance between Saroja and Kumaresan, and the next minute, he shows us the intensity of hate directed toward the couple. 

Saroja and Kumaresan belong to different castes, which is enough reason for everyone to be hostile toward them, including their own families. Murugan lays bare the corrosive effects of casteism on individual lives and communities. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of hope—moments of courage and defiance. He challenges us to confront the shadows of our own prejudices.

Perumal, once again, talks of how familial bonds are easily discarded because of the child’s non-compliance. Kumaresan addresses this issue with his mother, telling her she only did her job as a mother in raising him because she wanted stability in her old age, not because she loved him.

The flow of the story is smooth, and all emotions are beautifully described. I didn’t even realise that I was at the end of the book till the last chapter, which is a heart-wrenching one.

Verdict: Must Read

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