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தோன்றாத் துணை
Perumal Murugan’s tender yet truthful essays capture the life of a strong, independent and extraordinary woman: his mother. She raised her children with the income from just a few acres of land that she managed on her own, tending to the cattle and crops with maternal concern, all the while minding her unruly husband. Every obligation met, all accounts squared up, each meal cooked to satiate the tongue and heart—Amma never rested, not even when bedridden with Parkinson’s. She lived a farmer’s life and died a farmer’s death.
Amma is a homage to a way of life and values—simplicity, honesty and hard work—lost to us today. Peppered with unsentimental nostalgia and delightful humour, and vividly documenting village and farming life in the Kongu region, Amma tugs at generational memory. Murugan’s non-fiction writing, his first to appear in English, is as deeply affecting as his fiction.
Amma is a homage to a way of life and values—simplicity, honesty and hard work—lost to us today. Peppered with unsentimental nostalgia and delightful humour, and vividly documenting village and farming life in the Kongu region, Amma tugs at generational memory. Murugan’s non-fiction writing, his first to appear in English, is as deeply affecting as his fiction.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2019
28 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Perumal Murugan
97 books376 followersPrimary profile for this author.
Do NOT merge author profiles in different languages/spelling.
Per GR policy, books published in another language/script should have the name on that book as secondary author, with Perumal Murugan as primary author.
Perumal Murugan is a well-known contemporary Tamil writer and poet. He was written six novels, four collections of short stories and four anthologies of poetry. Three of his novels have been translated into English to wide acclaim: Seasons of the Palm, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Kiriyama Award in 2005, Current Show, and most recently, One Part Woman. He has received awards from the Tamil Nadu government as well as from Katha Books.
Do NOT merge author profiles in different languages/spelling.
Per GR policy, books published in another language/script should have the name on that book as secondary author, with Perumal Murugan as primary author.
Perumal Murugan is a well-known contemporary Tamil writer and poet. He was written six novels, four collections of short stories and four anthologies of poetry. Three of his novels have been translated into English to wide acclaim: Seasons of the Palm, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Kiriyama Award in 2005, Current Show, and most recently, One Part Woman. He has received awards from the Tamil Nadu government as well as from Katha Books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 54 reviews
March 4, 2021
A very powerful and emotional book about a simple village woman who fights adversities to raise her two boys, the younger of which is Perumal Murugan .
I was immersed in this simple woman's tough and never restful life ..
And more respect to Murugan, who had enthralled me.with the initial 2 books I read , but later on who disappointed me .
This is the first book I am borrowing from a library after a decade and a half ..and this adds to the thrill.
How the story affected me is 5 star worthy, but many things were lost in translation ( or so I assume ) and there were a few minor repetitions.
I was immersed in this simple woman's tough and never restful life ..
And more respect to Murugan, who had enthralled me.with the initial 2 books I read , but later on who disappointed me .
This is the first book I am borrowing from a library after a decade and a half ..and this adds to the thrill.
How the story affected me is 5 star worthy, but many things were lost in translation ( or so I assume ) and there were a few minor repetitions.
June 3, 2020
| R E V I E W |
~
I have always been the sort of reader who seeks comfort from the simplest of stories. Like how Sudha Murty connects with millions of people through her simple language, Murugan has a similar impact on the readers. I've often felt that his stories possess a certain quality of earthiness in them, a sense of belonging. At times, I cannot help but wish that I could read Tamil, just so I can enjoy his writing in its truest sense. Having read three books by him, I didn't have to think twice before purchasing Amma. The mere title of the book oozes warmth and this book of tribute that Murugan created for his mother is emotional, all the while portraying how beautifully women ran their homes through a series of hurdles.
~
Through twenty-two short stories, Murugan gives us a glimpse of his life with his mother, Perumaayi. Hailing from a small village in Tamil Nadu, Murugan recalls how his mother deftly ran the house for many years with less or no support from her husband. With no formal education, Perumaayi was married off at a very young age and was instantly handed the responsibility of taking care of the house. Murugan recalls how his mother had a sharp mind, always thinking about ways to earn extra money so that she can send her sons to school. Her cooking, he says, was delicious even if it was prepared in a simple manner. Perumaayi strongly believed in the saying 'Work is worship' and was always found working in the farms and tending to the domestic animals that she reared. Murugan mentions the lovely manner in which the goat kids tailed her wherever she went, considering her to be their mother.
~
Although Perumaayi had a difficult life, she managed to provide well for her family and the early death of her husband didn't break her will to survive. Instead, she worked fiercely till the very end, not depending on her sons for anything. She was self sufficient, practical and ran the house better than any man could have possibly done. It is abundantly clear that Murugan was always a mother's boy, often seeking comfort in her even as an adult. Unfortunately, he wasn't on good terms with his father and goes on to explain the possible reason for such animosity.
~
Although Perumaayi was from an older generation, she wasn't one to believe in superstition. Out of all the chapters in the book, my favourite was ultimately the foreword which was written by Murugan's wife, Ezhilarasi. In it, she goes on to say how open minded her mother-in-law was, never forcing women to sit aside during menstruation period. How she wasn't religious but believed in a higher power and placed her faith in it. During arguments or quarrels between the two women, Perumaayi often forgave her daughter-in-law the very next day. Although she wasn't entirely happy about her son marrying a woman from a different caste, never did she treat the daughter-in-law harshly. Perumaayi was the sort of woman who knew what she wanted and never desired for more. She insisted on living alone until her last days and she did so strongly. Amma is a beautiful tribute and Murugan's writing was as always, very touching. This book is simple yet manages to leave behind a sense of warmth in the hearts of many and perhaps this is why Murugan is loved by thousands. I highly recommend this.
~
Rating - 4.3/5.
~
I have always been the sort of reader who seeks comfort from the simplest of stories. Like how Sudha Murty connects with millions of people through her simple language, Murugan has a similar impact on the readers. I've often felt that his stories possess a certain quality of earthiness in them, a sense of belonging. At times, I cannot help but wish that I could read Tamil, just so I can enjoy his writing in its truest sense. Having read three books by him, I didn't have to think twice before purchasing Amma. The mere title of the book oozes warmth and this book of tribute that Murugan created for his mother is emotional, all the while portraying how beautifully women ran their homes through a series of hurdles.
~
Through twenty-two short stories, Murugan gives us a glimpse of his life with his mother, Perumaayi. Hailing from a small village in Tamil Nadu, Murugan recalls how his mother deftly ran the house for many years with less or no support from her husband. With no formal education, Perumaayi was married off at a very young age and was instantly handed the responsibility of taking care of the house. Murugan recalls how his mother had a sharp mind, always thinking about ways to earn extra money so that she can send her sons to school. Her cooking, he says, was delicious even if it was prepared in a simple manner. Perumaayi strongly believed in the saying 'Work is worship' and was always found working in the farms and tending to the domestic animals that she reared. Murugan mentions the lovely manner in which the goat kids tailed her wherever she went, considering her to be their mother.
~
Although Perumaayi had a difficult life, she managed to provide well for her family and the early death of her husband didn't break her will to survive. Instead, she worked fiercely till the very end, not depending on her sons for anything. She was self sufficient, practical and ran the house better than any man could have possibly done. It is abundantly clear that Murugan was always a mother's boy, often seeking comfort in her even as an adult. Unfortunately, he wasn't on good terms with his father and goes on to explain the possible reason for such animosity.
~
Although Perumaayi was from an older generation, she wasn't one to believe in superstition. Out of all the chapters in the book, my favourite was ultimately the foreword which was written by Murugan's wife, Ezhilarasi. In it, she goes on to say how open minded her mother-in-law was, never forcing women to sit aside during menstruation period. How she wasn't religious but believed in a higher power and placed her faith in it. During arguments or quarrels between the two women, Perumaayi often forgave her daughter-in-law the very next day. Although she wasn't entirely happy about her son marrying a woman from a different caste, never did she treat the daughter-in-law harshly. Perumaayi was the sort of woman who knew what she wanted and never desired for more. She insisted on living alone until her last days and she did so strongly. Amma is a beautiful tribute and Murugan's writing was as always, very touching. This book is simple yet manages to leave behind a sense of warmth in the hearts of many and perhaps this is why Murugan is loved by thousands. I highly recommend this.
~
Rating - 4.3/5.
January 22, 2020
I haven’t yet read any of Perumal Murugan’s fiction. But when I heard of his latest collection of essays dedicated to his mother, I knew I had to read the book. The choice of title for the book—Amma—is revealing in so many ways. It shows us the writer’s tenderness towards his mother right at the onset. We embrace ourselves for a poignant portrait of a woman who, we can tell, played a crucial role in the life of the writer. However, the book should not be confused for a sentimental homage. In fact, Murugan writes about his Amma with a seasoned clear-sightedness that took me by surprise.
Murugan takes us deep into his family’s rural, agrarian background and the arduous toiling of their day-to-day lives. Their days are filled with hard labour and his mother is a silent, unrelenting bearer of it all. She raises her children in financially strained circumstances. She tends to the cattle and the crops, gives ample time to her children even as her husband turns up drunk out of his wits every day. The anecdotes he shares make it evident that his mother was intelligent, fair, kind and fearless in the face of adversity.
Murugan’s writing is honest and simple, which is perhaps why I felt deeply touched by the book. The book is also filled with instances of deep rooted social and cultural biases that plague people of the older generation. Murugan does not shy away from calling out these prejudices. He writes from a place of deep regard and affection for his mother without compromising on objectivity expected from an author of his stature.
Read this book when you are looking for some warmth and comfort.
Murugan takes us deep into his family’s rural, agrarian background and the arduous toiling of their day-to-day lives. Their days are filled with hard labour and his mother is a silent, unrelenting bearer of it all. She raises her children in financially strained circumstances. She tends to the cattle and the crops, gives ample time to her children even as her husband turns up drunk out of his wits every day. The anecdotes he shares make it evident that his mother was intelligent, fair, kind and fearless in the face of adversity.
Murugan’s writing is honest and simple, which is perhaps why I felt deeply touched by the book. The book is also filled with instances of deep rooted social and cultural biases that plague people of the older generation. Murugan does not shy away from calling out these prejudices. He writes from a place of deep regard and affection for his mother without compromising on objectivity expected from an author of his stature.
Read this book when you are looking for some warmth and comfort.
December 29, 2019
A collection of 22 chapters/essays that revolve around the writer’s mother, this latest offering from Perumal Murugan is not just a memoir of the author’s childhood but also, the memories of his ties to his mother juxtaposed with his social cultural commentary. This combination gives an intimate look into the author’s early life filled with the everyday rigour of hard agrarian life and how it consumes his mother.
The essays are deeply personal in the way the author has taken readers to the domestic life he lived in: a father who has a small job but a big addiction to local toddy and how it leads to domestic strife and physical abuse. Any reader who has read Murugan’s work will be able to see the seeds and grains of the author’s fictional characters in his mother: her innate wisdom and knowledge of farming practices; the way she is full of heart and deep courage but still follow patriarchal stereotypical practices as dictated by society in the way she defends her husband’s vagaries and later, when her own father comes to live in her house; in the way she is practical and contradictory, taking charge of things around her.
If you love reading personal essays, there is no way that you can forgo reading this beautiful book. If you love Perumal Murugan’s writings, you have to definitely read this without fail.
The essays are deeply personal in the way the author has taken readers to the domestic life he lived in: a father who has a small job but a big addiction to local toddy and how it leads to domestic strife and physical abuse. Any reader who has read Murugan’s work will be able to see the seeds and grains of the author’s fictional characters in his mother: her innate wisdom and knowledge of farming practices; the way she is full of heart and deep courage but still follow patriarchal stereotypical practices as dictated by society in the way she defends her husband’s vagaries and later, when her own father comes to live in her house; in the way she is practical and contradictory, taking charge of things around her.
If you love reading personal essays, there is no way that you can forgo reading this beautiful book. If you love Perumal Murugan’s writings, you have to definitely read this without fail.
February 18, 2025
This is an earnest book written by an author about his mother. In the form of anecdotes and retellings, he tries to record the memories of a strong woman onto the pages that can live long.
I loved most of the book that was oozing with the "normal" village life. I was surprised to find the purpose of "Moi" book (gifting at weddings), grinned at some slice of life humor and was fascinated by the beliefs. The story on the village exorcism was scary. The relationship between father and son (verbal abuse as a result of spite) and his father and father-in-law (one of mutual reverence) made an impact.
Of-course the central figure of Amma stands tall and proud. These are fond memories and the author makes you feel it is important to tell the world what a great woman she was - and you can only admire a life well lived.
I did have one problem that I listened to this in English and could not help feel Tamil would have been more beautiful. I was especially feeling this when discussing food or beliefs. Maybe I should stop reading Perumal Murugan in English.
I loved most of the book that was oozing with the "normal" village life. I was surprised to find the purpose of "Moi" book (gifting at weddings), grinned at some slice of life humor and was fascinated by the beliefs. The story on the village exorcism was scary. The relationship between father and son (verbal abuse as a result of spite) and his father and father-in-law (one of mutual reverence) made an impact.
Of-course the central figure of Amma stands tall and proud. These are fond memories and the author makes you feel it is important to tell the world what a great woman she was - and you can only admire a life well lived.
I did have one problem that I listened to this in English and could not help feel Tamil would have been more beautiful. I was especially feeling this when discussing food or beliefs. Maybe I should stop reading Perumal Murugan in English.
Read
September 10, 2022Simple, beautiful, and heartfelt stories about a strong woman who was a lot more than a mother. Perumal Murugan brings alive his village, the surroundings, and their fields through these stories about his mother.
Read
May 10, 2025very tender. you can feel the pain of recollection reflect in the words of the author.
April 23, 2020
soooo pure and so eye-opening...such a different way of life.
cried because i'm not with my amma during lockdown
cried because i'm not with my amma during lockdown
August 14, 2020
Many parts of the book felt like I was reading the story of someone very familiar, though the author's mother was not. It embodies many things, like hope, determination etc. Positive ways. How this woman has touched lives is put across well. It is not all jolly jolly by any stretch of the imagination because it also shows the adversity that she had to face that brought those qualities out.
I've read and loved books by him before but this is the first time that I have read a non fiction (which I mostly avoid). The collection of essays penned, his memories of her, is quite touching. The author's wife, while penning the foreword to this book, mentions she was surprised that Perumal Murugan could write so much about his mother. He did, and that shows how close he must have been to her, and how losing her would have affected his life as well. I'm glad this book came my way.
I've read and loved books by him before but this is the first time that I have read a non fiction (which I mostly avoid). The collection of essays penned, his memories of her, is quite touching. The author's wife, while penning the foreword to this book, mentions she was surprised that Perumal Murugan could write so much about his mother. He did, and that shows how close he must have been to her, and how losing her would have affected his life as well. I'm glad this book came my way.
October 25, 2024
"We went to sleep watching Amma work and we woke up watching Amma work." Amma is the narrator's mother and she took care of the domestic work and the field works, and she took care of the household after their father's death.
Amma is all the ordinary women working in every corner taking care of everyone present in their life. There was not much of any story, but just descriptions of their quite living and changing lives. The writing was very poetic, as always.
I loved the last few chapters. Amma grew old in the village they lived in, taking care of plants and cattles like her own children all by herself. I can't help but feel a little sad that the world won't be the same when I'll be old.
I can't spend my last years in my little village surrounded by trees and chirping birds. The world will not be the same.
Amma is all the ordinary women working in every corner taking care of everyone present in their life. There was not much of any story, but just descriptions of their quite living and changing lives. The writing was very poetic, as always.
I loved the last few chapters. Amma grew old in the village they lived in, taking care of plants and cattles like her own children all by herself. I can't help but feel a little sad that the world won't be the same when I'll be old.
I can't spend my last years in my little village surrounded by trees and chirping birds. The world will not be the same.
October 6, 2025
Sentiment behind the essays were great, didn’t always love the translation
June 12, 2024
Every time I have picked up a book by Perumal Murugan I have felt a sense of being hypnotised. His stories have an inexplicable enchanting quality. The translation is quite amazing and makes me regret not knowing Tamil. All of translators have done a remarkable job of bringing his stories to us and makes one realise the importance of being an efficient and responsible translator. Amma revolves around his mother who was a powerful and influential figure in his life and that also explains the presence of a strong woman with agrarian background in most of his other stories. I haven’t read all of his work yet as it is difficult to find his books in the country that I live in but I am sure he will be one author that I will make sure to add all his works to my permanent collection.
February 24, 2025
Book number 450. The description of the author's mother is so soothing. I felt i saw glimpses of my own grandmother in her.
March 8, 2021
‘Amma’, which means mother in tamil language aroused in me a fascination to sink into the story set in a land I’ve been brought up since birth. Primitively written in tamil by Perumal Murugan ji, the non-fiction book is a translated work of Nandini Murali ji and Kavitha Muralidharan ji. After reading the blurb, I was certain that it would leave me delighted. Growing up in Tamil nadu, I’ve observed the people and their culture and almost mingled with them. There’s also a touch of tamil accent when I speak my mother-tongue marwadi. Since, I’ve been living with a tamil family for about twenty years now, their language, its usage, food, festivities and traditional rituals have gradually become a part of my routine too.
Amma’, is a collection of twenty-two sensitive essays that capture the lifetime of Perumal Murugan ji’s mother, his Amma; a strong, independent, relentlessly and tirelessly working woman. All the essays revolve around his Amma’s constant travails after her marriage in an agrarian family. Hers was a struggle, she effortlessly overcame and of which she never complained. Perumal Murugan ji has lucidly portrayed his village, the farming life, conventional ideas of the tamils, all while describing his audacious and fearless Amma. The foreword by Amma’s daughter-in-law; Perumal ji’s wife, is in itself a proof of her extraordinary nature, that breaks the notions of the relationship of a Mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. The book got me worked up, depicting the most common worries of farmers and their sacrifices that remains even today.
But habits formed in the cradle will follow one to the cremation ground.’
Perumal Murugan ji has soberly penned, the bitter realities of life with weaving his Amma’s character. There are lessons to learn and that needs to be imparted into our doings. The translators’ usage of tamil months, foods, numbers and the words denoting relations, makes it more easily connectable to the tamil speaking people and meanwhile giving the non-tamil speakers an idea of the language with meanings explained after each word.
The food will taste good only if there’s just enough of it. It’ll taste even better if there’s little less.
Amma teaches us the critical etiquettes of living that we have forgotten with time. Our generation lags behind in carrying the customs and traditions that have been a part of every Indian household, irrespective of their religions and castes. We’re fortunate to have been born in this land which hold in it the fragrance of all the unsurpassable calibre. Hostility with countrymen, loving and protecting nature, conserving wildlife, maintaining healthy habits and never tired of working is in our blood.
The trees kept Amma company. She talked to them. She was one with them. She noticed the smallest of changes in them. She knew exactly how many tender fruits were on each tree, how many unripe ones and how long it would take for them to ripen. The trees lent their ears to her.
The compassion with which Amma cares for her family, goats and cows and also the different plants and trees she had in and around her small home got me completely amazed at the beauty of her heart. She made a fascinating use of nature while nurturing and protecting it.
A home plagued by petty quarrels is hell.
Perumal ji has brought to light the poignant untold happenings inside the four-walls of every common man’s house in our country. He, explaining his Appa’s drinking habits and their consequences at home, has demonstrated the hassles of families whose breadwinner drinks. It affect the familes financially, physically and emotionally. It leaves its own serious impacts.
I had come to be known as ‘the boy who reads’ in the village. Amma allowed herself to feel a little proud of this and perhaps this is why she now tolerarted my books.
Amma’s scoldings and mutterings about Perumal ji, stocking up books and claiming more space, made his fascination for books grow deeper. She disapproved of his book-buying, thinking he had no understanding of the value of money. Perumal ji speaks of his interest in books, reading poetry and writing despite his Amma calling him a mad-fellow, for his addiction.
If Perumal ji had had no madness for books, I would not have had this contemplative piece of literature to talk about. This book triggered in me the fire of longing for the humane olden-golden ways of living. Amma isn’t just Perumal ji’s Amma but Maa, Maaji, Mai, Aayi, Ba, Maa sa, Mummy, Amee, whatever we choose to call our mothers. Amma’s life teaches us ‘ Work is Life’. Amma is an epitome of selfless loving, caring and serving nature of every Indian mother. Yes, Amma shows us the way of life.
Amma’, is a collection of twenty-two sensitive essays that capture the lifetime of Perumal Murugan ji’s mother, his Amma; a strong, independent, relentlessly and tirelessly working woman. All the essays revolve around his Amma’s constant travails after her marriage in an agrarian family. Hers was a struggle, she effortlessly overcame and of which she never complained. Perumal Murugan ji has lucidly portrayed his village, the farming life, conventional ideas of the tamils, all while describing his audacious and fearless Amma. The foreword by Amma’s daughter-in-law; Perumal ji’s wife, is in itself a proof of her extraordinary nature, that breaks the notions of the relationship of a Mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. The book got me worked up, depicting the most common worries of farmers and their sacrifices that remains even today.
But habits formed in the cradle will follow one to the cremation ground.’
Perumal Murugan ji has soberly penned, the bitter realities of life with weaving his Amma’s character. There are lessons to learn and that needs to be imparted into our doings. The translators’ usage of tamil months, foods, numbers and the words denoting relations, makes it more easily connectable to the tamil speaking people and meanwhile giving the non-tamil speakers an idea of the language with meanings explained after each word.
The food will taste good only if there’s just enough of it. It’ll taste even better if there’s little less.
Amma teaches us the critical etiquettes of living that we have forgotten with time. Our generation lags behind in carrying the customs and traditions that have been a part of every Indian household, irrespective of their religions and castes. We’re fortunate to have been born in this land which hold in it the fragrance of all the unsurpassable calibre. Hostility with countrymen, loving and protecting nature, conserving wildlife, maintaining healthy habits and never tired of working is in our blood.
The trees kept Amma company. She talked to them. She was one with them. She noticed the smallest of changes in them. She knew exactly how many tender fruits were on each tree, how many unripe ones and how long it would take for them to ripen. The trees lent their ears to her.
The compassion with which Amma cares for her family, goats and cows and also the different plants and trees she had in and around her small home got me completely amazed at the beauty of her heart. She made a fascinating use of nature while nurturing and protecting it.
A home plagued by petty quarrels is hell.
Perumal ji has brought to light the poignant untold happenings inside the four-walls of every common man’s house in our country. He, explaining his Appa’s drinking habits and their consequences at home, has demonstrated the hassles of families whose breadwinner drinks. It affect the familes financially, physically and emotionally. It leaves its own serious impacts.
I had come to be known as ‘the boy who reads’ in the village. Amma allowed herself to feel a little proud of this and perhaps this is why she now tolerarted my books.
Amma’s scoldings and mutterings about Perumal ji, stocking up books and claiming more space, made his fascination for books grow deeper. She disapproved of his book-buying, thinking he had no understanding of the value of money. Perumal ji speaks of his interest in books, reading poetry and writing despite his Amma calling him a mad-fellow, for his addiction.
If Perumal ji had had no madness for books, I would not have had this contemplative piece of literature to talk about. This book triggered in me the fire of longing for the humane olden-golden ways of living. Amma isn’t just Perumal ji’s Amma but Maa, Maaji, Mai, Aayi, Ba, Maa sa, Mummy, Amee, whatever we choose to call our mothers. Amma’s life teaches us ‘ Work is Life’. Amma is an epitome of selfless loving, caring and serving nature of every Indian mother. Yes, Amma shows us the way of life.
September 6, 2020
'Amma by Perumal Murugan' is a compilation of 22 essays by Mr. Murugan about his mother. He has written the stories about his childhood and during the time where he had impacting moments of his life back in the Village. It's a translated book from Tamil to English. It gave an insight into how his childhood shaped in the Village, the financial problems they had after the death of his father. Most of the stories revolve around how 'Amma' had a unique and striking way of life, how it contrasts with the author's way of thinking. And how it led to them having moments of compromise and learnings about life from each other. The stories are deeply personal and intimate to Mr. Murugan's life. Bitter moments like him buying a walking stick for his mother seen as a reminder of aging by his mother. And Wholesome stories like Amma accompanying him to school after being feared of getting bullied in school are the paramount range of emotions to traverse.
I have read Poonachi, One Part Woman, and The Goat Thief by Perumal Murugan, and I have thoroughly enjoyed his fictional works. This book gives the reader an insight into how Perumal Murugan's mother has impacted his life and his values. The stories are simple and yet very engaging.
Rating 3.5/5
October 22, 2020
So just finished this book and it is so overwhelming (in a good way) that the emotions are difficult to put into words.
This book is a collection of 22 essays, written by Perumal Murugan and 1 written by his wife P. Ezhilarasi, about his mother. All the essays chronicle author's life with his mother one incident at a time. By this book, author tries to explain different personal, social issues existing at that time and even today; and how Amma dealt with them, shaping the author into the man he is today.
Each essay showcases how simple but strong his mother was. And It makes you feel that isn't every mother like this? Many of the instances are so relatable that you could feel that "Hey this happened with me too. " (That's my own personal opinion Of Course).
It is very difficult to review this book for me because of two reasons.
First- I don't have words to express the essence of the book, which could do it a justice.
Second- How can you rate a person's life? Everyone lives a different life, faces different situations. So it's impossible to assign a number to it.
That being said, my final word is that everyone should read this book.
This book is a collection of 22 essays, written by Perumal Murugan and 1 written by his wife P. Ezhilarasi, about his mother. All the essays chronicle author's life with his mother one incident at a time. By this book, author tries to explain different personal, social issues existing at that time and even today; and how Amma dealt with them, shaping the author into the man he is today.
Each essay showcases how simple but strong his mother was. And It makes you feel that isn't every mother like this? Many of the instances are so relatable that you could feel that "Hey this happened with me too. " (That's my own personal opinion Of Course).
It is very difficult to review this book for me because of two reasons.
First- I don't have words to express the essence of the book, which could do it a justice.
Second- How can you rate a person's life? Everyone lives a different life, faces different situations. So it's impossible to assign a number to it.
That being said, my final word is that everyone should read this book.
October 9, 2021
What would you write if your mother is no more? All your life the love and affection that has kept you happy is suddenly taken away from you and it doesn’t matter if you 6 or 60 , it hurts the same. Perumal Murugan is a great Tamil author who writes about simplistic village life, everyday concurrences and the bond between animals and people in rural India. When his passed away , he decided to write two essays to commemorate her memory, those essays extended to twenty-two essays and it became this book. A beautiful book I must say.
The author’s mother is the image of a woman from a rural farming family , her whole life is devoted to work and that’s her real religion. She worked hard all her life and tried to instil the same civic sense in her two sons. With every hardship that came to her life, her sense of work never diminished and it makes me wonder the disciple and devotion our parents have, to work tirelessly each and every day for our happiness and well-being.
Though in disagreement with some of author’s lifelong decisions, his obsession with books, his choice of wife, his mother gave him his full support and didn’t put a price on her love. In the midst reading about her mother’s love for the cows and goats that she raised and loved as part of her family, I can see the inspiration of Poonachi , another great novel by Perumal Murugan. It also depicts how her mother didn’t let stereotypes and superstitious come in her way of taking care of her family when her husband passed away.
The author’s mother is the image of a woman from a rural farming family , her whole life is devoted to work and that’s her real religion. She worked hard all her life and tried to instil the same civic sense in her two sons. With every hardship that came to her life, her sense of work never diminished and it makes me wonder the disciple and devotion our parents have, to work tirelessly each and every day for our happiness and well-being.
Though in disagreement with some of author’s lifelong decisions, his obsession with books, his choice of wife, his mother gave him his full support and didn’t put a price on her love. In the midst reading about her mother’s love for the cows and goats that she raised and loved as part of her family, I can see the inspiration of Poonachi , another great novel by Perumal Murugan. It also depicts how her mother didn’t let stereotypes and superstitious come in her way of taking care of her family when her husband passed away.
January 19, 2021
Amma - Perumal Murugan translated by Dr. Nandini Murali and Kavitha Muralidharan
This collection has 22 essays. Murugan has tenderly and truthful sketched these pieces. Knowing more about his mother I came to know more about his childhood. To be specific the humiliation he went through in the society.
"Life is a movement", the crux of the entire collection is brilliant. I don't know these much impression will be reminded or remembered by the author if mother is alive. But this collection would be a good rendition.
The forward by Ezhilarasi, wife of Perumal Murugan is so beautiful that I fell in love with it.
What I like :
1. The title and the narration connects the story.
2. The crux of the work, "life is a movement"
What I don't like
1. At one point of time, we tended to know what the author is about to talk or discuss or narrate.
2. Certain story is not drippy or touchy to me. More of falling in love with Murgan's Amma. I fell in love with young Murugan.
This collection has 22 essays. Murugan has tenderly and truthful sketched these pieces. Knowing more about his mother I came to know more about his childhood. To be specific the humiliation he went through in the society.
"Life is a movement", the crux of the entire collection is brilliant. I don't know these much impression will be reminded or remembered by the author if mother is alive. But this collection would be a good rendition.
The forward by Ezhilarasi, wife of Perumal Murugan is so beautiful that I fell in love with it.
What I like :
1. The title and the narration connects the story.
2. The crux of the work, "life is a movement"
What I don't like
1. At one point of time, we tended to know what the author is about to talk or discuss or narrate.
2. Certain story is not drippy or touchy to me. More of falling in love with Murgan's Amma. I fell in love with young Murugan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
This book is written in a simple and truthful way. Author is just recollecting his memories about his late mother. There is something to be said about satisfaction in simple life and nothing embodies that better than agrarian culture. This book is a window to the life of a strong , independent woman who cared about her family more than anything . He writes the book in sections which are snippets of her wisdom and character. There are chapters on cultural idiosyncrasis like the gifting or moyi , how crematorium are reserved for single caste or there is something called temple tax. Some chapters dwell on the authors relationship with his mother like how his mother reacted to authors intercaste love marriage, how his mother carried him to the hospital when he was sick, how she would defend him against the tirade of insults from his father.
She devoted her life to her family and her work and in authors simple words, it makes us appreciate that all life have a story worth telling.
10/10
She devoted her life to her family and her work and in authors simple words, it makes us appreciate that all life have a story worth telling.
10/10
February 11, 2020
Nice book. For someone interested to know what the rural southern India was like some decades ago, from the perspective of a farmer woman. Amma's story is not unique. It is the like the innumerable tales of people belonging to the agrarian society in the post independent India.
In my opinion, what distinguished this book is the quaint language of the author and the cute translation to english that does much justice to the original. One feels at home with the life that the extraordinarily ordinary woman leads. There is a semblance one feels with one's own GrandMa. There's an obscure familiarity in the things that Amma says or does. As if one knew her personally. I think, it is for this that one should read this short book.
In my opinion, what distinguished this book is the quaint language of the author and the cute translation to english that does much justice to the original. One feels at home with the life that the extraordinarily ordinary woman leads. There is a semblance one feels with one's own GrandMa. There's an obscure familiarity in the things that Amma says or does. As if one knew her personally. I think, it is for this that one should read this short book.
May 30, 2021
3.5 Stars
Amma is the collection of 22 short stories of Author Perumal Murugan Mom Perumaayi who was based out from small village of Tamil Naidu. A small and beautiful book, this book give glimpse of his mother's life. With no formal education, she was married at a very young age to a drunkard man whom she lost very soon as well. Despite of all this odd's, she managed to run her family well through her sharp mind, positivity, determination and hard work. Its a book of emotional roller coaster ride, making you happy as well sad at times. Its a good read if you are fond of reading personal essays.
Amma is the collection of 22 short stories of Author Perumal Murugan Mom Perumaayi who was based out from small village of Tamil Naidu. A small and beautiful book, this book give glimpse of his mother's life. With no formal education, she was married at a very young age to a drunkard man whom she lost very soon as well. Despite of all this odd's, she managed to run her family well through her sharp mind, positivity, determination and hard work. Its a book of emotional roller coaster ride, making you happy as well sad at times. Its a good read if you are fond of reading personal essays.
January 20, 2025
Essays about the author's Mother. Ranging from her daily routines to her relationships with her family (and others) to morals and principles. All commonplace, all largely unremarkable, and all told in very simple language.
And yet it all comes together remarkably well. I can't really understand or explain how, but the narration is simultaneously dispassionate yet extremely emotional, near reportage yet deeply personal, melancholic yet joyous. I've liked some of Murugan's other work, but this one I loved.
The book made me nostalgic for a period I only had a small glimpse of, but had heard about a lot more from the elders of my family. And books that can do that are special. Strongly recommended.
And yet it all comes together remarkably well. I can't really understand or explain how, but the narration is simultaneously dispassionate yet extremely emotional, near reportage yet deeply personal, melancholic yet joyous. I've liked some of Murugan's other work, but this one I loved.
The book made me nostalgic for a period I only had a small glimpse of, but had heard about a lot more from the elders of my family. And books that can do that are special. Strongly recommended.
November 3, 2020
𝗔𝗺𝗺𝗮 🤶🏽
By Perumal Murugan
Category : Non-fiction
Format: Kindle
Pages : 216
ＢＯＯＫ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ 📚
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Amma this word only triggers plethora of emotions in our Mind.
That’s why I’ve opted this book Inspite of being less famous than Poonachi🐐.
💫
Amma is collection of Essays about Perumal’s Mother.
Now you’ll think that why should i read about her Mother ?
💫
My answer is : you should read it because while reading Amma you’ll find her habits , her dedication , her affection in line with your mother .
💫
Amma is someone who’s not afraid to work in fields during night but she gets panicked when her son falls ill.
🔸
Amma is someone who’s Open minded yet she’s subconsciously affected by Caste system.
🔸
Amma is someone who loves nature , Animals and God.
Yet she says to worship God “ Only a good mind and clean body is enough”.
💫
Perumal’s mentality is somewhat shaped by his Amma and we find that though his Father was breadwinner but Amma is the one who manages all of it.
You’ll find Perumal is more like his Mother than to his Father .
💫
My most favourite part of the book is one which describes Perumal’s love for Books inspite of facing resistance from Amma he continued to read books and got the name “ the boy who reads “ 📚in the village. ( Deep inside his mother admires this habit)
💫
This is my first book of contemporary Tamil literature and i must say it is very well translated .
Book has Everything from tabboo that haunts Indian society to blessings that India possess.
My learning 🧠:
🔸 Social fibre of South India during 70-80’s
🔸Definitely teaches how beautiful life is with parents 💫.
MY RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
By Perumal Murugan
Category : Non-fiction
Format: Kindle
Pages : 216
ＢＯＯＫ ＲＥＶＩＥＷ 📚
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Amma this word only triggers plethora of emotions in our Mind.
That’s why I’ve opted this book Inspite of being less famous than Poonachi🐐.
💫
Amma is collection of Essays about Perumal’s Mother.
Now you’ll think that why should i read about her Mother ?
💫
My answer is : you should read it because while reading Amma you’ll find her habits , her dedication , her affection in line with your mother .
💫
Amma is someone who’s not afraid to work in fields during night but she gets panicked when her son falls ill.
🔸
Amma is someone who’s Open minded yet she’s subconsciously affected by Caste system.
🔸
Amma is someone who loves nature , Animals and God.
Yet she says to worship God “ Only a good mind and clean body is enough”.
💫
Perumal’s mentality is somewhat shaped by his Amma and we find that though his Father was breadwinner but Amma is the one who manages all of it.
You’ll find Perumal is more like his Mother than to his Father .
💫
My most favourite part of the book is one which describes Perumal’s love for Books inspite of facing resistance from Amma he continued to read books and got the name “ the boy who reads “ 📚in the village. ( Deep inside his mother admires this habit)
💫
This is my first book of contemporary Tamil literature and i must say it is very well translated .
Book has Everything from tabboo that haunts Indian society to blessings that India possess.
My learning 🧠:
🔸 Social fibre of South India during 70-80’s
🔸Definitely teaches how beautiful life is with parents 💫.
MY RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
November 22, 2024
Been years since I read a book written by a Tamizh author. I am glad I picked this one, though I couldn’t get my hands on the Tamizh version of the book. This book is a memoir of the author and his relationship with his mother. It’s a collection of 21 essays which gives you a sneak peek into the life of this women and towards the end it almost feels like you have known this person all along. With each essay, you get to know her a little more - witty, quirky, courageous, hardworking single mom in an agrarian family, and sometimes biased, unreasonable and unwilling to give up the patriarchal practices due to societal demands. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed the book
April 6, 2020
A collection of essays centered around his mother , this book is devastatingly beautiful. There is a certain sense of reality and innocence that the essays establish about the lives of the people that it almost feels like a walk down the author's memory lane. I cannot pick and choose any essay as a favorite because each one of the 21 stories in the book is a lesson in itself. I loved the descriptions of the village life, how the adversities are treated more like challenges than just hindrances and above all how often we see and fail to acknowledge our mothers.
August 2, 2020
Such a nice read. What’s good is that Perumal Murugan is portraying his mother as a person with many sides to her personality and not as a son raving about his perfect mother.
Amma is a woman with strong opinions and a strong personality. Her will power to see through her ideas is praiseworthy despite no dearth of tragic events.
As a young mother of a son I was curious to see how a son realistically feels about his mother.
Also interesting to know about village life in Tamil Nadu and agricultural practices.
Amma is a woman with strong opinions and a strong personality. Her will power to see through her ideas is praiseworthy despite no dearth of tragic events.
As a young mother of a son I was curious to see how a son realistically feels about his mother.
Also interesting to know about village life in Tamil Nadu and agricultural practices.
October 2, 2020
Amma, a collection of essays about the author’s mother and his childhood set against the rustic village backdrop, oozes warmth. The essays are poignant and so honest that you will find yourself transported to the sesame fields with white flowers, the Ayyanar temple with the toddy tapping priest, the fields with mango and pomegranate trees, the sheep shed caught in the middle of strong rain, the veranda with cots under the starry night sky, the rumbling bus ride to hilltop temple, the yearly visit to the oil mill. It left me yearning for those long lost simple times.
May 4, 2021
I liked the way the role and sacrifice of mother in a person’s and identify is described in this book. I like the way of writing and the background of a village in which Perumal Murugan writes his book, as i was born and brought up in such circumstances and after reading his books makes me relive all those experiences again. I can see the same nature and the way the amma has lived her life in my mother, who followed work is life as a name of god.
October 28, 2024
A relentless and unstoppable life of a woman who did everything possible to leave no stone unturned. Reading AMMA leaves you awestruck and makes you appreciate all the things that your mother has done for you. There's a line in this, "Amma is a movement." That line pretty much says it all. All working mothers should actually put this up in their CV's because no work or no responsibility can beat this.
To all the mothers out there, THANK YOU ❤️
To all the mothers out there, THANK YOU ❤️
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