Prakaasham Parathunna Penkutty was one of the first short stories in Malayalam I read in my lifetime. If my memory is correct, the story was there in the Malayalam curriculum of Kerala State Syllabus in sixth or seventh grade.
T Padmanaabhan’s Sakhaavu, published by Mathrubhumi Books,
is the compilation of his ten latest short stories. The book also features an
interview with the author by Pradeep Perashanoor. Though most of the stories in
this anthology were published in the leading weeklies of Malayalam in the past year
or so, I hadn’t read any of them. So I didn’t hesitate much before buying this
latest compilation.
Critics often lament in Public Forums and Social Media
Platforms that stalwarts like T Padmanabhan and M.T. have lost their mojo and
have, in turn, lost connection with the present-day realities. But after reading
this latest work by T. Padmanabhan, I can confidently say that none of these so-called
critics hasn’t probably read any of the recent works by T.P.
In most of the stories in this anthology, the author is the
narrator/principal character. The black humour and wit in some of them are spot
on. Be it the episode around the wannabe NRI writer in ‘ Aadyathe Novel’
or the hullabaloo ensuing in the event of a famous officer’s superannuation in ‘Manoharam’;
the sarcasm is unmissable. The title story, ‘Sakhaavu,’ tries to be a
commentary on present-day politics and partially succeeds in its attempt. Peerumettilekkulla
Vazhi is a memory lane trip that deals with themes like immigration and
self-discovery. Snehathinte Vila is about kindness and humanity, whereas
Ennittu delves with second chances. Though some stories have ambiguous
endings, it doesn’t make them monotonous reads.
The book is edited well and has a good production design.
The cover design and the beautiful illustrations (Devaprakash) interspersed
between stories also deserve special mention. The interview with the author is
also genuinely exciting and manages to illuminate the writer’s perspective on the
current socio-political scenario.
On the whole, ‘Sakhaavu’ is an enjoyable anthology.
Ps- In the author’s bio, it is mentioned that he had refused
Odakkuzhal Award, Kerala Sahithya Academy Award and Kendra Sahithya Academy
Award. I found it rather amusing. I am unaware of the circumstances for him
declining the award, but if he found
himself accepting those awards not worthy of his stature, why is he proclaiming
the same in his bio as if refusing it is a great badge of honour?! Pathetic, to
say the least!
-nikhimenon
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