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Book Review
MALAYALAM
Experimentation in short stories
K. Kunhikrishnan
PLASTIC HRIDAYAM — Short Stories: M. K. Chand Raj; Pub. by the author and distributed by Current Books, Round West Thrissur. Rs. 40.
ORU IRUNDA SAYAMAYI CHUTTIPPINANHU — Short Stories: Thomas Joseph; Mathrubhumi Books, MM Press, Cherooty Road, Kozhikode-1. Rs. 35.
THE DYNAMISM in the genre of short fiction has resulted in much experimentation in craft, style, and techniques. The two collections reviewed represent such emerging trends and contemporary themes. In the nine stories Chand Raj attempts novel and aesthetic efforts in creativity.
They are stories challenging social norms and deprecate the modern social values resultant from globalisation and liberalisation. Topical issues like the Iraq War, the struggle against Coca Cola in Plachimada and the tragedies of the insecticide endosulfan are of strong concern. The limitations of elections in a democratic system are also referred to in "Janayatham, Oru Patabhedam".
The narrative style at times slips into pedagogy, where fiction gives way to sermons.
The 12 storie s of Thomas Joseph also attempt transposition of themes and techniques. Stories transcend simple narration to the metaphysical and to elements of fantasy. “Adam” is a typical example of one such weird story. Some stories surpass factors of logic and are proximal to Kafkaean images: a girl becomes a spider in a story titled “Ettukaali Penkuttiyum Ezhu Policukaarum”.
Whether such blatant experimentation will stand the test of time as literary pieces of value is a matter of concern. Such heavy doses of illogic in form affects the readability and fabric of the story per se.
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