Book Review: Avashyamillatha Achhanammamar

Aavashyamillatha Achhanammamar by Raghunath Palery is a collection of two short stories. Raghunath Palery is known more as a script writer than a story writer and he has been the brain behind some of the money spinners of Malayalam cinema like Meleparambil Aanveedu, Sasneham and Onnu muthal Poojyam vare. Raghunath has always followed his mind and has over years, developed a style of his own. His style of writing is quite on the face and is free from the excess baggage that is carried by the so called “intellectuals” in Malayalam cinema and literature. Probably, this is what sets him apart. Add to this, his light hearted style of writing and simple and lucid language- you get to read and see stuff that is easy on your senses. The first short story- Avashyamillatha Achanammamar- focuses on the life of a teenage girl born into a nuclear family in the city. Her parents have no time for her and her grandmother who used to be her confidante passes away. Unable to bear the lack of attention and loneliness at home, she runs away with the boy who supplies milk at home. She literally gets into a soup what with the boy having ulterior motives of selling her off to a brothel. But, the timely intervention of a family in the remote village in Tamil Nadu that she elopes to saves her and unites her with her parents. This is a theme that has quite often been dealt with in Malayalam literature, especially by short story writers, but what sets the story apart is Palery’s unique and simple style. His language is easy and it sucks you into the world of Mahalaxmi, the protagonist who wins your immediate sympathy. The second one- Pakalukalkku Nandi- does not quite match up with the first one. It is about lost love, loneliness and late realization. It depicts the love story of Hariprasad and Hema. In his pursuit towards wealth and well being, Hariprasad ignores Hema. By the time, he understands the value of Hema and her love in his life; it is too late for him. Pakalukalkku Nandi sounds familiar and is quite clichéd. It does not match up to Palery’s normal standards but is quite a good read in spite of its short comings. If you are interested in Malayalam literature and if short stories are your cup of tea, Aavashyamillatha Achanammamar is a good, quick read!