So I have finally read an Indian novel that is NOT The Village by the Sea. Miss Black would be so proud. Ironically, this book is also set in a village by the sea.

So the idea is that the sea goddess lives in the sea. If the villagers behave themselves she will let them catch a living from her domain. Most important is that the women remain sexually pure. If they fail the goddess will kill their husbands. At least, this is what the local patriarchy would have everyone believe, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that greed and pride may be greater sins than love.

It’s particularly well written. Calling the prose ‘spare’ would definitely give the wrong impression, but there’s not an inch of bloat and it’s really quite amazing how much Thakazhi gets into such a short book. Well structured too. There are certain changing rhythms in the way it’s arranged that are very pleasing. There may be more than one reading of it possible. If I came back to it in a couple of years or in a different mood I suspect I might find myself reading a different novel. And there’s also a love story for if you’re a girl or some sort of wimp. ( )