Generations: Talaimuraikal (Translated from Tamil by Ka Naa Subramanyam)

Book Details

• Author: Neela Padmanabhan

• Language: English

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9789391125042

• Pages: 244

• Release Date: 15-05-2021

About the Book

Generations is a beautifully crafted narrative set in the 1940s that explores the complex dynamics of a Tamil-speaking community along the borders of modern-day Kerala. Neela Padmanabhan, a master of fiction, weaves a story of generational change and conflict, focusing on the journey of Diravi, a young boy who rises to take charge of his family, steeped in a rich, distinct culture.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of evolving social norms and the clash between tradition and modernity. Diravi’s sister, Nagu, is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Perumal, a man whose frustrations lead him to cruelly reject his young wife. With nowhere to turn in her own family, Nagu suffers in silence, but Diravi, with his progressive mindset, seeks to break free from the outdated customs that hinder solutions, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise oppressive world.

Through the intimate portrayal of Nagu’s plight and Diravi’s response, the novel touches on themes of language, ethnicity, and the painful transition from a traditional way of life to the forces of modernity. Padmanabhan captures the nostalgia, loss, and resilience of her characters with sensitivity, making Generations a poignant reflection on personal and cultural transformation. It is a tale that will resonate with anyone who has witnessed the passing of an era and the challenge of adapting to change.