the hardest walk is walking alone , but that's also the walk that makes you the strongest

Aalahayude Penmakkal 

Sarah Joseph

    Just for a change , today I will be reviewing a Malayalam novel. "Aalahayude Penmakkal" is a Malayalam novel written by Sarah Joseph. It's the first in the trilogy which includes "Mattathi" and 

 "Othappu" , all revolving around fierce women protagonists in out of the ordinary backgrounds.

    The book is narrated from the perspective of Annie, an eight-year-old filled with curiosity , living in 'Kokkanchira' , an imaginary undesirable locality on the outskirts of Thrissur. 'Kokkanchira" is described as a previous dumping ground for carcasses and dead bodies and an abode for the marginalised societies, dalits and scavengers, displaced from the city. However we see how the services of these 'undesirables' are 'desirable' for the city dwellers , a situation where the development of some of few constricts the development of some others. We see conflicts between various social sects, political parties and religious sects and profound examples of stigma and prejudice. We see how the small world of Annie changes within a short span through urbanisation and go through the psychological changes and the loses of her loved ones. 'Aalahayude Prarthana' and 'Amarapanthal' are two metaphors which symbolify what she desires and the changing society around her respectively. Other main characters include her grandmother, mother and a Tuberculosis affected, bedridden Kuttipappan. We travel alongside annie as she grows emotionally , not chronologically and at the end receives the 'Aalahayude Prarthana'.

    Personally, to me, the novel was a bit difficult to understand owing to Joseph's classic Thrissur slang used throughout the novel, but its real world references and imagery helped develop a state of  magnanimity towards the characters. Overall, the book is a great one, shedding light on the lives of the lower stratas of society. The book, literally translating to 'Daughters of God, the Father', has also received many awards such as Kerala Sahitya award, Vayalar Ramavarma Award and Cheruckad Award. I would recommend this book to any growing intellectual mind.

Thank you for Reading! Happy Independence Day !