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Feeling Kerala: An Anthology of Contemporary Malayalam Stories
The living pulsating and ever-changing entity that is Kerala is best represented by its astute critical and deeply insightful writers of the Malayalam short story and in Feeling Kerala a selection of some of the best and sharpest narratives from the region is now translated and curated for English readers to love and cherish.
While staying true to its literary form these stories provide a tour into the heart and soul of contemporary Kerala and aim at getting past the twentieth-century characterizations of the state say as defined by communist egalitarian spirit or matrilineal families. After all Kerala is unique in more ways than one thanks to the heightened experience of migration and transnationalism among other things.
This collection also succinctly encapsulates the varied landscapes of the highlands the coastal areas and the growing urban centres. They move in and out of homes and take the readers into older spaces-convents and panchayats-and the new spaces of the capital-airports and tourist resorts-as well as the world of criminals.
While staying true to its literary form these stories provide a tour into the heart and soul of contemporary Kerala and aim at getting past the twentieth-century characterizations of the state say as defined by communist egalitarian spirit or matrilineal families. After all Kerala is unique in more ways than one thanks to the heightened experience of migration and transnationalism among other things.
This collection also succinctly encapsulates the varied landscapes of the highlands the coastal areas and the growing urban centres. They move in and out of homes and take the readers into older spaces-convents and panchayats-and the new spaces of the capital-airports and tourist resorts-as well as the world of criminals.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2023
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 28, 2024
2.5 stars
Short stories by Contemporary authors. The initial ones were better than the latter.
Short stories by Contemporary authors. The initial ones were better than the latter.
September 22, 2023
Feeling Kerala, a carefully curated set of 13 stories, written by different authors and translated by J Devika, stands true to its name. As I read through the stories, the earnest attempt to eschew traditional topics one associates the state with - matrilineal inheritance or communist spirit was evident. The stories here allow the reader to connect with the state's present, a social reality that lies hidden beneath indices like high literacy rate, better health facilities, fewer childbirths, even its secular tag. Apart from an overview by the translator at the start, there is an introduction before each story to acquaint the reader with its context. The translation retains the local flavor well, but also very strongly in some stories which might be hard to appreciate for readers with no connect to the state of Kerala.
Neeraliyan by Ambikasutan Mangad is a favorite for the way it intertwines effects of climate change and ecological crisis into the lives of a fisherman, his wife & a researcher who studies Olive Ridley turtles. Shihabuddin Poithumkadavu in his inimitable style shows how we have coined a softer word for quick and mindless hatred - 'othering'. Shahina EK's Like Wind, Sun, Leaf and Flower, a bold and fiery take on how women embrace their vulnerability and march together, KR Meera's Sanghiannan on religious bigotry are other strong favourites.
People living in the margins are made visible in GR Indugopan's story on bird scarers who ensure a safe flight at airports and Shajikumar PV's story on Adivasis, inspired by a real incident. The yawning gap between the rich and poor with rising migration to the Gulf, that caste is an indelible marker which only shifts shape with religious conversion are laid bare in stories by Nirmala, Prince Aymanam.
From hills/ghats to backwaters, cutting across various landscapes, on diverse issues, Feeling Kerala sincerely attempts to portray elements of 'everyday life' in the state, offering a lovely opportunity to read new writers and look beyond just KR Meera and Benyamin in Malayalam translated literature.
Neeraliyan by Ambikasutan Mangad is a favorite for the way it intertwines effects of climate change and ecological crisis into the lives of a fisherman, his wife & a researcher who studies Olive Ridley turtles. Shihabuddin Poithumkadavu in his inimitable style shows how we have coined a softer word for quick and mindless hatred - 'othering'. Shahina EK's Like Wind, Sun, Leaf and Flower, a bold and fiery take on how women embrace their vulnerability and march together, KR Meera's Sanghiannan on religious bigotry are other strong favourites.
People living in the margins are made visible in GR Indugopan's story on bird scarers who ensure a safe flight at airports and Shajikumar PV's story on Adivasis, inspired by a real incident. The yawning gap between the rich and poor with rising migration to the Gulf, that caste is an indelible marker which only shifts shape with religious conversion are laid bare in stories by Nirmala, Prince Aymanam.
From hills/ghats to backwaters, cutting across various landscapes, on diverse issues, Feeling Kerala sincerely attempts to portray elements of 'everyday life' in the state, offering a lovely opportunity to read new writers and look beyond just KR Meera and Benyamin in Malayalam translated literature.
July 9, 2023
"Feeling Kerala" is a beautifully curated collection of Malayalam short stories translated into English by J. Devika showcasing the astute, critical, and deeply insightful writers of Kerala. The book aims to provide readers with a true representation of the living, pulsating, and ever-changing entity that is Kerala, going beyond the conventional characterizations of the state.
The collection offers a tour into the heart and soul of contemporary Kerala, delving into its unique aspects such as migration, transnationalism, and diverse landscapes. It explores the highlands, coastal areas, and growing urban centers, taking readers through a range of settings from older spaces like convents and panchayats to newer spaces like airports, tourist resorts, and the world of criminals.
Shihabuddin Poithumkadavu, K. R Meera , Santhosh Aechikkanam were familiar writers whose stories I've read in school. It was quite interesting to find out some hidden gems like Prince Aymanam, whom I've never read before. I applaud the translator for picking some unknown yet interesting writers and beautifully presenting their stories in a near platter. The diversity stood out for me! The stories are hauntingly beautiful. They are powerful and frustrating!
It provides deep insights into the Kerala's culture, society, and people, while also presenting a modern and nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the stereotypes commonly associated with Kerala.
Recommended to readers seeking diverse and thought-provoking tales from Kerala.
The collection offers a tour into the heart and soul of contemporary Kerala, delving into its unique aspects such as migration, transnationalism, and diverse landscapes. It explores the highlands, coastal areas, and growing urban centers, taking readers through a range of settings from older spaces like convents and panchayats to newer spaces like airports, tourist resorts, and the world of criminals.
Shihabuddin Poithumkadavu, K. R Meera , Santhosh Aechikkanam were familiar writers whose stories I've read in school. It was quite interesting to find out some hidden gems like Prince Aymanam, whom I've never read before. I applaud the translator for picking some unknown yet interesting writers and beautifully presenting their stories in a near platter. The diversity stood out for me! The stories are hauntingly beautiful. They are powerful and frustrating!
It provides deep insights into the Kerala's culture, society, and people, while also presenting a modern and nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the stereotypes commonly associated with Kerala.
Recommended to readers seeking diverse and thought-provoking tales from Kerala.
July 17, 2023
"Kerala: where nature and culture intertwine, leaving a lasting impression."
I was very excited to read Feeling Kerala : An Anthology of Contemporary Malayalam Stories, translated by J Devika. Mainly so because I had never truly explored south India's literature or the region itself. Through this book I found myself the perfect opportunity to know about the physical attributes of the region, the societal notions as well as some of the minute details.
The translator has selected some of the most important and scathing stories of Kerala introducing us to it's beauty as well as the cropping issues.
While we explored the scenic beauty we also learnt the migration or casteism problems that are rampant there.
The author also selected a few stories based on women's role and the society, specially her own family's response to it.
To select one particular story as my favorite would be difficult because I didn't read them as works of fiction rather I saw them as my portal to the land far south always known for it's mystic backwaters and dance form. For once I saw the people and the brutal reality too. And it felt good. To be able to relate as well to feel surprised equally.
There were some parts which I couldn't comprehend - not language wise for that is very simple. Also a special mention for the translator to have included an introduction to the story as well as the author before each chapter. For me some of the parts felt as if they wanted me to revisit them after I read more about Kerala.
I was very excited to read Feeling Kerala : An Anthology of Contemporary Malayalam Stories, translated by J Devika. Mainly so because I had never truly explored south India's literature or the region itself. Through this book I found myself the perfect opportunity to know about the physical attributes of the region, the societal notions as well as some of the minute details.
The translator has selected some of the most important and scathing stories of Kerala introducing us to it's beauty as well as the cropping issues.
While we explored the scenic beauty we also learnt the migration or casteism problems that are rampant there.
The author also selected a few stories based on women's role and the society, specially her own family's response to it.
To select one particular story as my favorite would be difficult because I didn't read them as works of fiction rather I saw them as my portal to the land far south always known for it's mystic backwaters and dance form. For once I saw the people and the brutal reality too. And it felt good. To be able to relate as well to feel surprised equally.
There were some parts which I couldn't comprehend - not language wise for that is very simple. Also a special mention for the translator to have included an introduction to the story as well as the author before each chapter. For me some of the parts felt as if they wanted me to revisit them after I read more about Kerala.
July 8, 2023
Feeling Kerala: An Anthology of Contemporary Malayalam Stories brings you 13 flavourful short stories to enjoy and also reflect upon. J. Devika has handpicked 13 contemporary writers from the land of Kathakali, translates their stories originally written in Malayalam, to give you a taste of the Indian state.
What I loved about these stories is that they cover a myriad of social issues currently prevailing in Kerala. J. Devika provides as she promises in the translator's introduction— introducing Kerala through not just the culture, but also casteism, patriarchy, communal disharmony, and social inequality. She also brings forward stories that discusses Kerala's problems with migrating workers and politics.
My personal favourites were "Sujatha's Houses" by Nirmala which showed a husband trying to come to terms with his wife entering into the field of politics; and "Like Wind, Sun, Leaf and Flower" by Shahina E.K. which demonstrates a group of women being united against misogyny, sexism and abuse and finally freeing themselves from the confinements of their fathers, husbands, and lovers.
What I loved about these stories is that they cover a myriad of social issues currently prevailing in Kerala. J. Devika provides as she promises in the translator's introduction— introducing Kerala through not just the culture, but also casteism, patriarchy, communal disharmony, and social inequality. She also brings forward stories that discusses Kerala's problems with migrating workers and politics.
My personal favourites were "Sujatha's Houses" by Nirmala which showed a husband trying to come to terms with his wife entering into the field of politics; and "Like Wind, Sun, Leaf and Flower" by Shahina E.K. which demonstrates a group of women being united against misogyny, sexism and abuse and finally freeing themselves from the confinements of their fathers, husbands, and lovers.
August 13, 2023
The author Devika needs a proof reader 🤦 so many spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Wondering how it even made it to the shops.
From the stories' perspective, they all sound very one sided. I hardly liked a couple of them. The introduction she writes for each of them is very monotonous and doesn't actually reflect the various shades of Kerala.
Won't recommend 🙅
From the stories' perspective, they all sound very one sided. I hardly liked a couple of them. The introduction she writes for each of them is very monotonous and doesn't actually reflect the various shades of Kerala.
Won't recommend 🙅
June 7, 2025
Everything worked for me: the translations were amazing, the selection of stories were great, there was so much context provided before each story, and I found three (!!!!) stories that I can use for my thesis!
March 13, 2024
Feeling Kerala is a treat of a sumptuous feast of Malayalam short stories that pulse with the vitality of contemporary Kerala. These stories offer an unparalleled glimpse into the multifaceted tapestry of Kerala's cultural, social, and political environment.
One of the most striking natures of this collection is its ability to transcend simplistic categorizations of Kerala's identity. Gone are the tired tropes of the state as merely a bastion of communist ideology or a land defined solely by its matrilineal traditions. Instead, the stories delve deep into the intricate complexities of Kerala's modern existence, weaving together threads of migration, transnationalism, and the evolving urban landscape.
Reading "Feeling Kerala" is akin to peering through a window into a world both familiar and foreign. Through the skilful artistry of J. Devika, readers are transported into the heart of Kerala, where they bear witness to the joys and sorrows, struggles and triumphs of its people. Each story serves as a microcosm of Kerala itself, offering insights into its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant communities, and its ever-changing social dynamics.
the exploration of varied landscapes—from the lush highlands to the bustling coastal areas and cosmopolitan urban centres—serves as a reminder of Kerala's geographical diversity. Through these diverse settings, readers can traverse the length and breadth of Kerala, immersing themselves in its natural beauty and urban complexities.
But perhaps most compellingly, "Feeling Kerala" sheds light on the human experience in all its complexity. From the intimate confines of homes and convents to the bustling thoroughfares of airports and tourist resorts, the stories traverse both familiar and unfamiliar terrain. They confront readers with the universal truths of love and loss, hope and despair, weaving together narratives that resonate far beyond Kerala's borders.
One of the most striking natures of this collection is its ability to transcend simplistic categorizations of Kerala's identity. Gone are the tired tropes of the state as merely a bastion of communist ideology or a land defined solely by its matrilineal traditions. Instead, the stories delve deep into the intricate complexities of Kerala's modern existence, weaving together threads of migration, transnationalism, and the evolving urban landscape.
Reading "Feeling Kerala" is akin to peering through a window into a world both familiar and foreign. Through the skilful artistry of J. Devika, readers are transported into the heart of Kerala, where they bear witness to the joys and sorrows, struggles and triumphs of its people. Each story serves as a microcosm of Kerala itself, offering insights into its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant communities, and its ever-changing social dynamics.
the exploration of varied landscapes—from the lush highlands to the bustling coastal areas and cosmopolitan urban centres—serves as a reminder of Kerala's geographical diversity. Through these diverse settings, readers can traverse the length and breadth of Kerala, immersing themselves in its natural beauty and urban complexities.
But perhaps most compellingly, "Feeling Kerala" sheds light on the human experience in all its complexity. From the intimate confines of homes and convents to the bustling thoroughfares of airports and tourist resorts, the stories traverse both familiar and unfamiliar terrain. They confront readers with the universal truths of love and loss, hope and despair, weaving together narratives that resonate far beyond Kerala's borders.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews