Readings by Manuprasad

  I read   Meesha   during a rainy season, at a time when I was genuinely afraid of the floods outside. This setting made the book even more meaningful, as it painted a vivid picture of what floods really mean to people – their devastation, unpredictability, and the way they shape everyday life. Through its powerful narration, I could almost experience the Kerala that the book describes, with its hardships, its history, and the true face of poverty. What fascinated me most was that Meesha is not just the name of a character— Meesha  itself is the character. It takes on many dimensions, acting as a symbol for the fight of the lower castes to receive their basic rights, the persistent call of poverty, and the relentless human urge to overcome circumstances.  Meesha  becomes the embodiment of dreams—like the longing to migrate or achieve a better future. The novel skillfully blends the local struggles with themes of migration and aspiration, painting a broad a...

Reading    this book was one of the most shocking experiences I've had with a book. It wasn’t just history unfolding before my eyes—it was an explosion of truth that had been buried for over a century. This is not a simple retelling of a past event; it is a raw, unfiltered confrontation with the dark realities of caste, patriarchy, and moral policing in early 20th-century Kerala. Kuriyedathu Thatri, at the center of this storm, is not a mere victim. Through the pages of this book, she transforms into fire—burning down the layers of hypocrisy that the upper caste men had built around themselves. The way she named, one by one, the most respected men in her community during the smārtha vichāram was not an act of revenge—it was rebellion. It was justice. She used the very tools of the oppressive system to expose its rot. What struck me the most is how clearly this book shows the way upper-caste systems not only controlled but misused women. These women were kept under strict rul...

 Reading "Thakshan Kunnu Swaroopam" by U K Kumaran after an eight-year hiatus has been an illuminating journey. My initial encounter with this novel was as part of a reading competition, where I struggled to connect with its depth and mythological references. However, re-reading it now has allowed me to appreciate its nuances and reflect on how much I have grown over these years. "Thakshankunnh," as the name suggests, is a story deeply rooted in the essence of a village. The novel intricately portrays the soul of the village through the life of Ramar, the central character, and offers a unique perspective on India's journey to freedom through the eyes of rural inhabitants. The novel is a rich tapestry of human relationships, illustrating the bonds between father and son, husband and wife, and the communal trust among villagers. It also examines the transformative effects of assistance and support, highlighting how such changes impact human behavior. The rise and...

Eshwara Vazhakkillalo , the memoir by actor Salim Kumar, is a delightful and nostalgic journey through the life of one of Kerala's most beloved entertainers. Written with a humorous and candid tone, the book provides a unique glimpse into Salim Kumar's personal experiences, offering readers a blend of laughter, warmth, and reflection. As someone from North Paravoor, reading this book felt especially personal and evocative. Salim Kumar’s memories of his hometown bring to life the charm of the region, with vivid descriptions of local culture and the people who shaped his early years. His recollections of the old black magicians of the area, with their mysterious ways and captivating stories, add an element of mystique and nostalgia, transporting readers to a time long past. The book also beautifully captures the essence of school memories and family life, evoking a sense of simplicity and joy that many readers can relate to. Salim Kumar's humorous take on his childhood exp...

Madan Moksham by Jayamohan is a deeply introspective and compelling novel that explores the intersection of religion, politics, and societal change in contemporary India. The story is narrated through the eyes of Madan, an ancient god worshipped by a rural village for centuries. As the country undergoes significant political and ideological shifts, Madan, the divine figure, struggles to adapt to the changing world around him. In doing so, the novel paints a powerful portrait of how religious figures and ideologies are manipulated by human hands to fuel political agendas, particularly the rise of Hindutva and communalism. At the heart of the novel is Madan’s internal conflict. Once revered and unchallenged, the god finds himself increasingly irrelevant in a world that no longer understands or respects the traditional values he embodies. As the villagers’ devotion wanes, the political landscape shifts dramatically, with the rise of Hindutva ideologies taking center stage. Madan's ...

Origin by Dan Brown As someone who thoroughly enjoyed The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons , I was eager to dive into Origin , the latest installment in Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series. Unfortunately, this novel didn't quite measure up to the thrilling puzzles and gripping mysteries that made the earlier books so captivating. In fact, I found it to be a significant letdown. Origin follows Robert Langdon, the Harvard symbologist, and Ambra Vidal, a brilliant cryptologist, as they attempt to solve a high-stakes mystery involving groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The central premise revolves around two key questions posed by the brilliant futurist, Edmond Kirsch: "Where do we come from?" and "Where are we going?" These questions, which tie into the mysteries of humanity’s origins and our future, are intriguing. However, the way they are explored in the book feels far too dramatic and overly convoluted. The biggest issue with Origin is the way it ha...

  "Vishadam Pookkunna Marangalum Ottayadipathayum" is a compilation of Madhavi Kutty’s memoirs, bringing together four works: Bhayam Ente Nisha Vasthram , Vishadam Pookkunna Marangal , Ottayadipatha , and Diary Kurippukal . Through these writings, Madhavi Kutty offers an evocative journey spanning across several cities and countries, from her roots in Punnayurkulam to bustling urban centers like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. Her narrative further expands across continents, reaching the USA, Canada, Spain, and beyond. These reflections are intimate, personal, and deeply evocative of her life’s experiences. Madhavi Kutty’s memoirs are written with an intensity that blends nostalgia and raw emotion. The juxtaposition of her travels and reflections is fascinating, shedding light on the transitions she has experienced and the vastness of the world she has encountered. However, as I read through her work, I found myself increasingly disconnected from her voice, particula...