Chemmeen

Description

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.