Pyre by Perumal Murugan

​"Pyre" by Perumal Murugan- A poignant story!

This book is published by Penguin Random House India in 2017 and has 216 pages. Original Tamil book is translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan. 

Kumaresan and Saroja elope and get married. Kumaresan brings Saroja to his village where his mother, Marai, creates a drama. 

How will the villagers react? How will the relatives of Kumaresan react? How will Saroja’s father and brother react? Will she be accepted?

It’s a story set in old times. Cast of Saroja is a prominent consideration. Author depicts the social implications of marriage with a girl from other cast without trying to justify the reactions and actions. It’s not a ‘happening’ story, it doesn’t have a fast pace but it still manages to keep the reader riveted. 

It’s a poignant story where love takes back seat over perceived family honor, village dynamics and cast equations. It’s rich in characters. Kumaresan, a modern youth who loves Saroja despite cast but also values relationships with relatives. Saroja, a city girl who leaves everything for love. Marai, Kumaresan’s mother and a bitter woman who blames others for putting her through rigors of life and difficulties.

Although the entire story is cast based, author mentions cast of neither Kumaresan, not Saroja. Why important is that they belong to different casts. 

End of story is on expected lines but it’s chilling. The very end of story leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions about how it finally ends. 

Why did I read this book? Author. Good feedback. 

What I didn't like? Umm….

What did I like? Simplicity. 

Recommend reading.