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Bear with Me, Amma: Memoirs of M.T. Vasudevan Nair
354 (9 B/W Illustrations)From back of the bookWriter and filmmaker M.T. Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as MT, is one of the most illustrious cultural icons of modern Kerala. Chronicling the decadence of a magnificent and uninterrupted agrarian civilization in the lush county side of central Kerala, his novels and short stories won him the Juanpith and several central and state Sahitya Akademi awards. MTs work as screenwriter and director is Indian cinema at its finest. To readers in English this book of memories and stories offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a literary master who recollects the people, places and ideas that inspired his stories. Featured in this collection are anecdotes, accounts of journeys, a homage, meditations on the literary craft, personal photographs and such classic stories as The Soul of Darkness and Elder Sister Oppol. About the AuthorM.T. Vasudevan Nair was born on 15 July 1933 in Kudallur village in Kerala and was the youngest of four brothers. He began to rite very early in the life, and his short story Valarthumrigangal, written while he was a student at Victoria College, Palakkad, won the first prize in the World Short Story Competition conducted by the New York Herald Tribune. He went on the win several literary awards, including the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Kaalam (1970); three Kerala Sahitya Akademi one for the novel Naalukettu (1959), the second for the play Gopuranadayil (1978) and the third for the short story Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam (1981). He was given the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1995. Vasu
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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About the author
എം.ടി. വാസുദേവന്നായര് | M.T.Vasudevan Nair
109 books1,169 followersകഥാകൃത്ത്, നോവലിസ്റ്റ്, തിരക്കഥാകൃത്ത്, ചലച്ചിത്ര സംവിധായകന്. 1933 ജൂലൈ 15-ന് പൊന്നാനിക്കടുത്ത് കൂടല്ലൂരില് ജനിച്ചു. അദ്ധ്യാപകനായിരുന്നു. മാതൃഭൂമി ആഴ്ചപ്പതിപ്പിന്റെ സഹപത്രാധിപര്, പിന്നീട് പത്രാധിപര് (1956-'81). മാതൃഭൂമി പീരിയോഡിക്കല്സ് എഡിറ്റര് (1988-'99). കേന്ദ്ര സാഹിത്യ അക്കാദമി അവാര്ഡ് (കാലം), കേരള സാഹിത്യ അക്കാദമി അവാര്ഡ് (നാലുകെട്ട്), വയലാര് അവാര്ഡ് (രണ്ടാമൂഴം), ഓടക്കുഴല് അവാര്ഡ് (വാനപ്രസ്ഥം), ജ്ഞാനപീഠ പുരസ്കാരം എന്നിവ ലഭിച്ചു. തിരക്കഥയ്ക്കുള്ള സംസ്ഥാന, ദേശീയ അവാര്ഡുകള് പലതവണ കിട്ടി. നിര്മ്മാല്യത്തിന് മികച്ച ചലച്ചിത്രത്തിനുള്ള 1974-ലെ ദേശീയ അവാര്ഡും. കാലിക്കറ്റ് സര്വ്വകലാശാലയുടെയും മഹാത്മാഗാന്ധി സര്വ്വകലാശാലയുടെയും ഡി.ലിറ്റ് ബഹുമതി. 2004-ല് പത്മഭൂഷണ് ലഭിച്ചു.
Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as M. T., was an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was a prolific and versatile writer in modern Malayalam literature, and was one of the masters of post-Independence Indian literature. Randamoozham, which retells the story of the Mahabharata from the point of view of Bhimasena, is widely credited as his masterpiece.
At the age of 20, as a chemistry undergraduate, he won the prize for the best short story in Malayalam for Valarthumrigangal at World Short Story Competition jointly conducted by New York Herald Tribune, Hindustan Times, and Mathrubhumi. His first major novel, Naalukettu (The Legacy), written at the age of 23, won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. His other novels include Manju (Mist), Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (The Demon Seed), and Randamoozham (The Second Turn). The emotional experiences of his early days went into his novels, and most of his works are oriented towards the basic Malayalam family structure and culture. His three novels set in traditional tharavads in Kerala are Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Kaalam.
Nair was a screenwriter and director of Malayalam films. He directed seven films and wrote the screenplay for around 54 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay four times, for: Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992), and Parinayam (1994), which is the most by anyone in the screenplay category. In 1995 he was awarded the highest literary award in India, Jnanpith, for his overall contribution to Malayalam literature. In 2005, India's third highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan, was awarded to him.
Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, popularly known as M. T., was an Indian author, screenplay writer and film director. He was a prolific and versatile writer in modern Malayalam literature, and was one of the masters of post-Independence Indian literature. Randamoozham, which retells the story of the Mahabharata from the point of view of Bhimasena, is widely credited as his masterpiece.
At the age of 20, as a chemistry undergraduate, he won the prize for the best short story in Malayalam for Valarthumrigangal at World Short Story Competition jointly conducted by New York Herald Tribune, Hindustan Times, and Mathrubhumi. His first major novel, Naalukettu (The Legacy), written at the age of 23, won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. His other novels include Manju (Mist), Kaalam (Time), Asuravithu (The Demon Seed), and Randamoozham (The Second Turn). The emotional experiences of his early days went into his novels, and most of his works are oriented towards the basic Malayalam family structure and culture. His three novels set in traditional tharavads in Kerala are Naalukettu, Asuravithu, and Kaalam.
Nair was a screenwriter and director of Malayalam films. He directed seven films and wrote the screenplay for around 54 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Screenplay four times, for: Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Kadavu (1991), Sadayam (1992), and Parinayam (1994), which is the most by anyone in the screenplay category. In 1995 he was awarded the highest literary award in India, Jnanpith, for his overall contribution to Malayalam literature. In 2005, India's third highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan, was awarded to him.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 29, 2011
"Bear with me, mother" is a collection of memoirs and short stories from arguably the finest writer that Kerala has ever produced - MT Vasudevan Nair. The book has 16 memoir pieces and half that number of stories.
Though its against the flow of the book, it might be a good idea to read the stories before the memoirs. This is because many of the stories have a touch of autobiography/ reality in them, and it might take away a little from the stories of you read them second.
The memoirs work amazingly well because it takes the reader back in time. Even for a Keralite like me, it seemed like a different culture. Temple festivals replete with folk arts, ten days of Onam celebrations, communities which hadn't split into religion based factions all point to a Kerala that was markedly different, and this was only a few decades back. The change is visible in geography too, as the author agonises over the fate that befell the Nila river.
The author walks the journey of his life with us, with anecdotes from his school and college life as well as his early working days. In them, we can see many characters that made it to his fictional works too.
The stories offer excellent glimpses of the author's craft, and works like 'The Soul of Darkness' will stay with you for a long time. In yet others like 'Firecrackers', 'Karkitakam', and 'Elder Sister: Oppol' we see the world through the eyes of an innocent child. It is amazing how even in the translation, I could imagine what the original Malayalam words must have been and marvel at the wordcraft.
Though its against the flow of the book, it might be a good idea to read the stories before the memoirs. This is because many of the stories have a touch of autobiography/ reality in them, and it might take away a little from the stories of you read them second.
The memoirs work amazingly well because it takes the reader back in time. Even for a Keralite like me, it seemed like a different culture. Temple festivals replete with folk arts, ten days of Onam celebrations, communities which hadn't split into religion based factions all point to a Kerala that was markedly different, and this was only a few decades back. The change is visible in geography too, as the author agonises over the fate that befell the Nila river.
The author walks the journey of his life with us, with anecdotes from his school and college life as well as his early working days. In them, we can see many characters that made it to his fictional works too.
The stories offer excellent glimpses of the author's craft, and works like 'The Soul of Darkness' will stay with you for a long time. In yet others like 'Firecrackers', 'Karkitakam', and 'Elder Sister: Oppol' we see the world through the eyes of an innocent child. It is amazing how even in the translation, I could imagine what the original Malayalam words must have been and marvel at the wordcraft.
February 7, 2024
Hoping to read all of M.T’s books in its original Malayalam at some point. Till then, these translations will do.
April 18, 2025
M.T. Vasudevan Nair's "Bear With Me Mother" is a poignant collection that serves as more than just a book of stories; it is a window into the formative memories and reflections of a literary titan. Featuring anecdotes, travelogues, personal tributes, thoughts on the craft of writing, and select classic stories, this volume offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the wellspring of a master storyteller's inspiration.
Reading this book feels like stepping back in time, evoking a strong sense of childhood and making the scenes depicted remarkably vivid and relatable. The stories, often deeply touching, frequently explore the profound influence of a mother on a child's life. What is particularly striking is the portrayal of the mother figure – not as an idealized, superhuman entity, but as a simple human being with typical flaws. Despite these imperfections, the enduring impression she leaves on the child is palpable. Many moments in the book resonate deeply, connecting with personal experiences of hearing stories from one's own mother and family members.
As a reader familiar with Malayalam, the original language of the book, it is evident that the translation, while a commendable effort, struggles to fully capture the nuances and original "verse" of M.T.'s prose. While a Malayalam speaker can often imagine the author's intended meaning and emotional depth, readers who are not fluent might find certain passages awkward or even potentially misunderstand humor or cultural context.
The author's storytelling method is unique and captivating, reminiscent of cinematic scene changes. M.T. deftly moves between past and present, sometimes requiring careful attention from the reader to avoid confusion. Another compelling aspect of the narrative style is the author's deliberate choice to present situations plainly ("wrote what it is") without overly explaining the emotional subtext. This method invites the reader to interpret and feel about the situations in their own way, acknowledging that emotional responses are subjective and need not be uniform.
The collection features stories told from various points of view, including that of a child, a "mad man," and an adult male. The author excels at capturing the distinct innocence, seriousness, and feelings of each narrator with remarkable precision, making these perspectives deeply believable and often connecting profoundly with the reader. The stories do not necessarily contain explicit morals; rather, the author acts as an observer, depicting the situations and describing life from a singular viewpoint during a specific period in time.
In essence, "Bear With Me Mother" is a beautifully rendered collection that values authentic portrayal over explicit guidance, offering readers a series of vivid sketches of life, memory, and the quiet, lasting impact of human relationships, particularly that of a mother. While the translation may pose some challenges for non-Malayalam speakers, the power of M.T. Vasudevan Nair's storytelling and the depth of his recollections shine through
Reading this book feels like stepping back in time, evoking a strong sense of childhood and making the scenes depicted remarkably vivid and relatable. The stories, often deeply touching, frequently explore the profound influence of a mother on a child's life. What is particularly striking is the portrayal of the mother figure – not as an idealized, superhuman entity, but as a simple human being with typical flaws. Despite these imperfections, the enduring impression she leaves on the child is palpable. Many moments in the book resonate deeply, connecting with personal experiences of hearing stories from one's own mother and family members.
As a reader familiar with Malayalam, the original language of the book, it is evident that the translation, while a commendable effort, struggles to fully capture the nuances and original "verse" of M.T.'s prose. While a Malayalam speaker can often imagine the author's intended meaning and emotional depth, readers who are not fluent might find certain passages awkward or even potentially misunderstand humor or cultural context.
The author's storytelling method is unique and captivating, reminiscent of cinematic scene changes. M.T. deftly moves between past and present, sometimes requiring careful attention from the reader to avoid confusion. Another compelling aspect of the narrative style is the author's deliberate choice to present situations plainly ("wrote what it is") without overly explaining the emotional subtext. This method invites the reader to interpret and feel about the situations in their own way, acknowledging that emotional responses are subjective and need not be uniform.
The collection features stories told from various points of view, including that of a child, a "mad man," and an adult male. The author excels at capturing the distinct innocence, seriousness, and feelings of each narrator with remarkable precision, making these perspectives deeply believable and often connecting profoundly with the reader. The stories do not necessarily contain explicit morals; rather, the author acts as an observer, depicting the situations and describing life from a singular viewpoint during a specific period in time.
In essence, "Bear With Me Mother" is a beautifully rendered collection that values authentic portrayal over explicit guidance, offering readers a series of vivid sketches of life, memory, and the quiet, lasting impact of human relationships, particularly that of a mother. While the translation may pose some challenges for non-Malayalam speakers, the power of M.T. Vasudevan Nair's storytelling and the depth of his recollections shine through
April 11, 2019
The few memoirs and stories I did read, kept me entertained and thinking of what it would be like having a whole life in Kerala.
Being from Kerala, it gives a deeper look into few festivals and traditions which I usually don't follow.
But I couldn't keep up with much of it as it flew over my head. Maybe I should pick it up again at a better time.
Being from Kerala, it gives a deeper look into few festivals and traditions which I usually don't follow.
But I couldn't keep up with much of it as it flew over my head. Maybe I should pick it up again at a better time.
September 11, 2025
Simple, honest stories that takes you to the rustic, village life in kerala.
November 27, 2023
A brilliant kaleidoscope into the life of the celebrated author.
"Do not worship suffering!", author Lalithambika Antharjanam writes to M.T Vasudevan Nair. But M.T unseemingly proves that suffering is inevitable in life and it is in suffering that a man can find true strength.
This collection of stories is an enchanting weave of mysticism, folklore and traditions of Kerala. But what cuts deep into the reader's conscience is the raw human emotions portrayed by the narrator and his characters. The characters are so well written that as you read the book, you can feel them murmuring and walking around you.
M .T paints life in all its extraordinary shades of perseverance and resilience underscored by an unshakeable faith in one's own self and grace of God.
"Do not worship suffering!", author Lalithambika Antharjanam writes to M.T Vasudevan Nair. But M.T unseemingly proves that suffering is inevitable in life and it is in suffering that a man can find true strength.
This collection of stories is an enchanting weave of mysticism, folklore and traditions of Kerala. But what cuts deep into the reader's conscience is the raw human emotions portrayed by the narrator and his characters. The characters are so well written that as you read the book, you can feel them murmuring and walking around you.
M .T paints life in all its extraordinary shades of perseverance and resilience underscored by an unshakeable faith in one's own self and grace of God.
August 18, 2024
Two reason on why I picked up this book:
1>I loved the title
2>I was always curious (an i still am) to know more about how Kerala was in its early years
The author has recollected and captured his childhood life events and expressed them in way which actually pulls you in. Loved and enjoyed reading it!
1>I loved the title
2>I was always curious (an i still am) to know more about how Kerala was in its early years
The author has recollected and captured his childhood life events and expressed them in way which actually pulls you in. Loved and enjoyed reading it!
February 21, 2023
The Kerala life in olden days as i know it.....Gives a glimpse of the time- the rural village life.
I did not find any Malayalam edition.... though
I did not find any Malayalam edition.... though
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews