| Publisher |
Eka |
| Publication Year |
2024 |
| ISBN-13 |
9789360455750 |
| ISBN-10 |
936045575X |
| Binding |
Paperback |
| Number of Pages |
328 Pages |
| Language |
(English) |
| Weight (grms) |
236 |
A NOVEL THAT GENTLY BUT RELENTLESSLY EXPLORES THE CONTROVERSIAL AND COMPLEX ISSUE OF DEATH BY CHOICE.
When seventy-year-old Unnikrishnan calls a press conference to announce the date of his death, he is disappointed at the apathy with which the news is met. It has been many years since he fled his home and village, and nobody remembers the sensational success of his first novel, set in the time of the Malabar Rebellion of 1921, but he finds it hard to accept the utter lack of interest in his announcement or the reason for it. Until young Paru, rookie journalist for the local daily, turns up on his doorstep, despatched by her editor to unearth what she can of his story.
What happened to drive Unnikrishnan away from his family and friends? What was he doing in those missing decades? And how is he going to meet his end—will he kill himself, and if so, how and why? These are the questions Paru puts to him over and over again, pleading, cajoling, threatening, but it will take a lot more to get the stubborn old man to reveal the truth. If he ever will.
A remarkable story about human suffering and transformation, this new novel by the award-winning writer–translator duo will have you questioning the most fundamental aspects of life—and death.
M. Mukundan
M. Mukundan was born and brought up in Mahe. He rose to critical acclaim and popularity with Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil (1974). His stories and novels have been widely translated into various Indian languages, English and French. He has been awarded Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the highest literary honour given by the Government of Kerala, the Crossword Book Award twice, first in 1999 for On the Banks of the Mayyazhi and again in 2006 for Kesavan’s Lamentations, and the Sahitya Akademi award and N.V. Puraskaram for Daivathinte Vikrithikal (God’s Mischief). His other major works include Kesavante Vilapangal (2009) and Prasavam (2008). He was presented with the insignia of Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1998. He also served as the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi from 2006 to 2010. Four of his books have been adapted into award-winning films. Delhi Gathakal (2011), translated as Delhi: A Soliloquy, is based on his experiences of living and working in Delhi for forty years as a Cultural Attaché at the French embassy. In 2004, he retired from that position and returned to Mahe, his hometown.
M. Mukundan
Eka