Sometimes, even to mention the post as a review, when such a big doyen’s work is involved, sounds pompous. La.Sa.Ra is such a reputed person on the tamil literary circles that it is almost given that any of his work would be a classic. Paarkadal (Ocean of Milk) is the first and only book of his that I’ve ever read. Typically, I’ve a prejudice against tamil novels/works, that they dwell too much into layering/metaphors/similes, that some of the work, that I had read, felt more like poetry on prose form and that too not your usual easy going verses type, but more complex ones, which are total bouncers for pulp fiction fans like me. Every time, I resist the temptation to put the book down and pick up a simple English one, I’ve always benefited in unearthing or rather shattering my own belief, by picking one up, which have resulted in enjoying such remarkable creations like this novel.
This book must’ve been a work from the 70’s maybe, but the format is so current – in almost blog post style. May be the easy free flowing format, made it such a relish. It’s nothing but a full scale letter, from a newly wed to her husband. He has left her alone at his place, along with his family members and has been on official assignment, missing out on their first deepavali. She has poured her anguish on the letter, mentioning about, how women have little say in things like this, restrictions on them calling out to their husbands, how society views women who are “outspoken”, unwritten and non-spoken rules at in-law’s place, how being subservience is expected as given from everyone, role of elders in the family and it goes on and on about lack of privacy in joint family setup. The household is typically Brahmin and the lingo and rules are aptly jotted. I am no expert on that, but could relate to many of the mentions. The flow of thoughts, slowly take a turn, like a turbulent water, subduing into a silent yet deep stream, onto the members of the household. The MIL, whom I thought would be villi-fied like typical mega serials, is shown as the star of the story, with the focus totally turning onto her and how she shines as a DIL herself for her MIL and how she competes with her DIL’s in getting things done, despite cribbing and ribbing about it. There are certain practical scenarios, which are genuine laugh worthy moments, where in the newly wed DIL’s are caught in catch-22 situation – neither being able to voice out nor able to digest the ribbing. But when the lady of the letter, sees her MIL and FIL (finds bare minimal mention and is touted as an adamant rude) takes care of the eldest in the family, describes the event of witnessing her elder MIL, making an appearance at the top of the stairs, comparing it to the temple festivals and equating her own in-laws akin to god, the rush of positivity, despite all the misgivings is unmistakable. The story or the letter, rather ends with how one of the fellow DIL’s, who is often shown as moody and hysterical, beats the crap out of her kid for a small prank and how the MIL, wanting to chastise her, ends up understanding her plight and cuddles her in tears, is one of the highlights of the story.
I’ve never been part of joint family and have often yearned for one, looking at my friends with envy, who often resembled Vikraman movie cast. This story, may not find many takers in present world. It talks of something, that has become extinct long back, with the rise of individualism. It shows the strength of our family structure, which is no longer present. It shows that, despite every single member being different, being not correct all the time, are also not wrong all the time and can be alike as well. It shows, how the families are the microcosm of the society as a whole, where there would be wastrels, extremely successful siblings, hateful and lovable relatives, rude yet emotionally childish people. And above all, what a title!!! Its significance is mentioned right at the beginning, where, when the ocean was churned, goddess Lakshmi came along with nectar and so was the most poisonous of all – Alakala visham. Just like that, family comprises of everything and we cannot wish away one for other.
If you love your family, you would love this story.
This book must’ve been a work from the 70’s maybe, but the format is so current – in almost blog post style. May be the easy free flowing format, made it such a relish. It’s nothing but a full scale letter, from a newly wed to her husband. He has left her alone at his place, along with his family members and has been on official assignment, missing out on their first deepavali. She has poured her anguish on the letter, mentioning about, how women have little say in things like this, restrictions on them calling out to their husbands, how society views women who are “outspoken”, unwritten and non-spoken rules at in-law’s place, how being subservience is expected as given from everyone, role of elders in the family and it goes on and on about lack of privacy in joint family setup. The household is typically Brahmin and the lingo and rules are aptly jotted. I am no expert on that, but could relate to many of the mentions. The flow of thoughts, slowly take a turn, like a turbulent water, subduing into a silent yet deep stream, onto the members of the household. The MIL, whom I thought would be villi-fied like typical mega serials, is shown as the star of the story, with the focus totally turning onto her and how she shines as a DIL herself for her MIL and how she competes with her DIL’s in getting things done, despite cribbing and ribbing about it. There are certain practical scenarios, which are genuine laugh worthy moments, where in the newly wed DIL’s are caught in catch-22 situation – neither being able to voice out nor able to digest the ribbing. But when the lady of the letter, sees her MIL and FIL (finds bare minimal mention and is touted as an adamant rude) takes care of the eldest in the family, describes the event of witnessing her elder MIL, making an appearance at the top of the stairs, comparing it to the temple festivals and equating her own in-laws akin to god, the rush of positivity, despite all the misgivings is unmistakable. The story or the letter, rather ends with how one of the fellow DIL’s, who is often shown as moody and hysterical, beats the crap out of her kid for a small prank and how the MIL, wanting to chastise her, ends up understanding her plight and cuddles her in tears, is one of the highlights of the story.
I’ve never been part of joint family and have often yearned for one, looking at my friends with envy, who often resembled Vikraman movie cast. This story, may not find many takers in present world. It talks of something, that has become extinct long back, with the rise of individualism. It shows the strength of our family structure, which is no longer present. It shows that, despite every single member being different, being not correct all the time, are also not wrong all the time and can be alike as well. It shows, how the families are the microcosm of the society as a whole, where there would be wastrels, extremely successful siblings, hateful and lovable relatives, rude yet emotionally childish people. And above all, what a title!!! Its significance is mentioned right at the beginning, where, when the ocean was churned, goddess Lakshmi came along with nectar and so was the most poisonous of all – Alakala visham. Just like that, family comprises of everything and we cannot wish away one for other.
If you love your family, you would love this story.
Comments
The 70s weren't like this. Maybe the 1870s :)