TAMIL
Short stories in translation
P. SUNDARESAN
MANDHIRAK KAATRU: Sudha Murthy's juvenile books (2) in English translated into Tamil by Subra. Balan; Vanathi Pathippagam, 23, Deenadayalu Street, T. Nagar, Chennai-600017. Rs. 70.
THIS ANTHOLOGY of 20 stories in juvenile fiction, is quite in tune with the original by Sudha Murthy who has created a niche for herself in the temple of fame.
The illustrations in black and white and in colour as also the get-up of the book merit mention.
Above all, the stories proper will help the young of today learn the difference between right and wrong to become the leaders of tomorrow.
From her illuminating foreword it is apparent that she is one of those who believe that the interests of childhood and youth are the interests of mankind. She has rightly stressed the cardinal virtues to lead a meaningful existence. What more, the globetrotting established writer has adapted five folk tales of foreign origin to suit the Indian psyche.
The title story is about conmen paid back in their own coin when the fraud comes to light. The opening story revolves round the theme that there is no accounting for taste.
A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run for sadistic pleasure.
Lack of skill in cutting open a jackfruit is depicted in a humorous piece.
How innocents are rounded up and questioned in a theft case when the real culprit turns out to be a monkey is portrayed in an absorbing story.
Other storylines: God's mill grinds slow but sure; the art of governance; perseverance rewarded with success; rooting out corruption; empty vessels make the loudest sound; solving a puzzle; a shepherd steals the show in a tough competition; a cheat hoisted with his own petard; a turning point in a crisis; the better part of valour is discretion; a crowning achievement; and what makes an ideal chief minister.
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