TAMIL
Short stories
P. SUNDARESAN
THODUVAANAM: Rs. 150;
THIRUPPUMUNAI: Rs. 125. Both by Jyothirlatha Girija and pub.by Sethu Alami Prasuram, G-7, Anand Narain Enclave, 8, Masilamani Street, T. Nagar, Chennai-600017.
A WINNING combination indeed, these compilations of 53 classic short stories by one known for her creative talent and published by nascent branch of the renowned Kavitha Publication.
Culled from her contribution to various magazines, they make a fascinating reading.
Why the first book, ‘Thoduvaanam,’ has been dedicated to Kannadasan is told in a way that brings him back to life. And the story that has lent the title to the book is a sad one that tugs at your heartstrings. It is that of a woman, mother of two children, who lands herself in a blind alley while separating from her husband, a sex offender. Equally gripping are the other stories on the theme of unhappy marriage.
In “Thiruppumunai,” the lead story in the other book, the author identifies the protagonist with that of her father who, as an upright teacher at Vatlagundu, vent his anger against parents who sought to bribe him for giving their wards good marks in the examination.
Some of the other storylines: Profile of a senior citizen who felt slighted in the family; the tragedy of sub-standard constructions; the large-heartedness of a stepmother; and the pernicious practice of eve-teasing.
A meticulous reader will spot some avoidable misprints in the publication.
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