Book Review: Paralokam

It is time to get back to the intention with which I started this blog and I am putting on the critic's garb again, to first write about Punathil Kunjabdullah's novel- "Paralokam" (Malayalam). This is the first time I am reading Punathil but I have been fortunate enough to hear him speak once at my school annual day. This was more than a decade back and the reason why Dr. Punathil took time out of his busy schedule to grace our school annual day was that his son was a student of the school. Ever since, I have been wanting to read his books and finally I did manage to grab a copy of "Paralokam". Now, Paralokam is a book that has been written with a totally different mindset- it explains what difference death of closed ones can make to the lives of those who continue to live. A very normal, close to the life concept on which not much has been written/ filmed. The novelty of the theme coupled with its identifiability and the narrative style of Kunjabdullah makes Paralokam an interesting read. The premise in which the story has been written also adds to its attractions. The imaginary Algarah valley and the village of Sadookka where the story is set have been described very beautifully by the author. The valley with the winds blowing constantly and its picturesque landscape with the fruit orchards have been described in a very captivating manner. The characters in the novel like Kabara Muthassi, Miriam, Moosamean, Varadaraja Muthaliar, Sivasankari, the Railway station master and his wife are all unique and exhibit characteristics that are unique to them. It is precisely because of this reason that all of them become very well etched in one's minds by the time one finishes the book. It is really commendable that in spite of his busy schedule as a medical practitioner, Dr Abdullah finds time to write and has managed to come out with such novels that really stand out. As noted critic, Zachariah rightly points out in the prelude to the book- "Kunjabdullah does not construct his craft. Instead his narrative style is flowing along with the flow of the story and its characters." Paralokam is not just to read, it is to read, reflect and enjoy!!!