Sujatha was the allonym of the Tamil author S. Rangarajan, Author of over 100 novels, 250 short stories, ten books on science, ten stage plays, and a slim volume of poems. He was one of the most popular authors in Tamil literature, and a regular contributor to topical columns in Tamil periodicals such as Ananda Vikatan, Kumudam and Kalki. He had a wide readership, and served for a brief period as the editor of Kumudam, and has also written screenplays and dialogues for several Tamil movies.
As an engineer, he supervised the design and production of the electronic voting machine (EVM) during his tenure at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a machine which is currently used in elections throughout India. As an author he inspired many authors, including Balakumaran, Madhan.
Few of the short stories were very good, but of them were kind of average. Here are my favourites from the collection:
1. Sasi Kaathirundhaal - best from the collection 2. Vandhen paarthen kondren 3. Engirundho Vandhaal - second best 4. Mister munusaamy oru 1.2.1 - mainly due to the ending
A collection of short stories each with its own typical Sujatha's thriller/humor end. the way author ends each story suddenly but convincingly is pure genius.
I have to point out the two stories, 1. ஒரு திறந்த கடிதம் (oru thirandha kadidam) where Sujatha used parallel narration with a twist in the end. 2. ஒரு கதையில் இரண்டு கதைகள் (oru kadaiyil irandhu kadaigal), he took a more accurate(also funny) approach of narrating a historical subject. this story is the mother all fourth wall breaking.
The point about all these stories is that these are written decades ago.
First Tamil book after almost 15 years. What better way to start reading Tamil books than Sujatha's. The short stories are only a few pages long, but in every single one of them, by the end of the story, you feel like you have known the characters for a long time. Lots of interesting twists and turns, subtle humour, thrilling moments. Quite a good read! Would recommend to anyone looking for a light read.
Now onwards to next book from Sujatha, and eventually gearing up to read "Ponniyin selvan" by Kalki. (Maybe I restarted reading Tamil books just so I can get to eventually read Kalki, haha)
Another captivating collection of short stories. Even years after they were written, Sujatha's books are mind-blowing and make the reader wonder how he masterfully blends the essence of Western science fiction into Tamil literature in his time. Picking up one of his books as a change of pace and genre never fails to entertain.
This book speaks much abt "how the comin' centuries would be and how people gonna emerge as a citizen. This book evokes thought on sci fi inducing creative thinkin in us. Great work from sujatha.. got goosebumps runnin' my thoughts wild..