Chemmeen: The Enduring Classic

By Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai

Book Overview

First published in 1956, Chemmeen tells the story of the relationship between Karutthamma, a Hindu woman from the fisherfolk community, and Pareekkutty, the son of a Muslim fish wholesaler. Unable to live with the man she loves, Karutthamma marries Palani, who, despite the scandal about his wife's past, never stops trusting her, a trust that is reaffirmed each time he goes to sea and comes back safe since the 'sea-mother' myth among the fishermen community goes that the safe return of a fisherman depends on the fidelity of his wife. Then, one night, Karutthamma and Pareekkutty meet and their love is rekindled while Palani is at sea, baiting a shark ... The hugely successful novel was adapted into a film of the same name, and won critical acclaim and commercial success. Anita Nair's evocative translation brings this classic of Indian literature to a new generation that hasn't had the opportunity to savour this tale of love and longing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9350290863
• ISBN13: 9789350290866
• Release Date: November 2011
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"