வெக்கை - பூமணி (Vekkai-Poomani)

Another great book from the great Poomani. One stunning aspect of this novel is the way author explains the places where father and son pair hides. A detailed description of farmland, mountains, lake, their food and customs of the villages is simply superb. The author holds the hand of the reader and takes them to these wonderful places. The book also gives feeling of watching a good documentary.For that itself one can read this book.

The story starts with a revenge murder. Chidambaram's aim was to chop Vadakkooran's hand but end up with killing him. Chidambaram and his father escapes from police and waiting for suitable time to surrender in the court. The story looks very simple but how well the author uses this hiding plot to tell the story of marginalized and their lives controlled by rich people and government. Though story takes place only eight days, through flashback the author tells three generations of Chidambaram's family.The killing  of Vadakkooran is cumulative anger of those generations.

Throughout the story. except police, no one questions Chidambaram and saying any bad thing about his action of killing a man. In fact they are all appreciative of him and give support and protect him,though Chidambaram is ready to accept the crime . The village people believes that what Chidambaram did was correct, in fact any one them would have done that. They do what they really believes correct. They also understands that police will not helps in handling the issues with Vadakkooran.

The author depicts Vadakkooran as a power hungry wealthy man, who wants to take Chidambaram and his family's land. Theirs is the only land left for Vadakkooran to buy. The way author reveals the characteristics of Vadakkooran is interesting - first he cheated farmers and use their land for ginning factory and later shoot and kills one of the protester(not really protester he just came as bullock cart driver) and using his money and power escapes from justice . The author also highlights how those who in power helps people like Vadakkooran. Throughout the story there is a thin line of anger towards Vadakkooran.

Another highlight of this novel is the way author portrays the village people specially Chidambaram's family. A loving parents,an adorable sister and ever loving aunt and uncle and supportive village people make this novel a great one. The co-operation among these working and farming village people is something missing in today's villages.

The theme and the questions arose in this novel is relevant today even after 30 plus years. The writing style is very fluid one can not put down the book easily. Like in his  novel "Piragu" , the author uses conversational language throughout the book which makes the reader hooked and understand the characters point of view, in this way the reader can visualize his own point along with the characters point simultaneously .The author is not trying to side with anyone, he just leads the reader.

A must read and I'm looking forward to read this wonderful authors another book 'Anggadi'.