Chemmeen: The Enduring Classic - Paperback

by T. Pillai (Author)

First published in 1956, Chemmeen tells the story of the relationship between Karutthamma, a Hindu woman from the fisherfolk community, and Pareekkutty, the son of a Muslim fish wholesaler. Unable to live with the man she loves, Karutthamma marries Palani, who, despite the scandal about his wife's past, never stops trusting her, a trust that is reaffirmed each time he goes to sea and comes back safe since the 'sea-mother' myth among the fishermen community goes that the safe return of a fisherman depends on the fidelity of his wife.

Then, one night, Karutthamma and Pareekkutty meet and their love is rekindled while Palani is at sea, baiting a shark... The hugely successful novel was adapted into a film of the same name, and won critical acclaim and commercial success.

Anita Nair's evocative translation brings this classic of Indian literature to a new generation that hasn't had the opportunity to savour this tale of love and longing.

Author Biography

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai (1912-1999) was a Malayali novelist and short story writer whose work focused on the oppressed classes. He has written several novels and over 600 short stories. His best-known works include Kayar and Chemmeen. He won the Kendra Sahitya Academy award in 1958 and the Jnanpith award in 1984.