This novel narrates the story in a striking biblical language. It defies translation as the language used is typical Malayalam found in the Malayalam Bible. The story is that of three generations, Paulo, Thoma and Yohannan. Yohannan is the major character in the story.
The concept of sin is treated with a liberal attitude here. "who is not a sinner?" one of his characters asks. Even though all the 'sinners' get their retribution, they are all treated with compassion. There is no one who is a thoroughbred sinner. There are only 'certain occasions' on which they falter.
Set in the Christian migrant community of Malabar, the story is an interesting read for people like me who can connect easily with such communities. Sexuality is an underlying current that unifies the whole plot.
His style reminds us of O V Vijayan and Zacharia.
An important book in Malayalam literature that you cannot afford to miss.
Some illustrations from the book:
 
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