Malayalam literature is known for its rich history and diverse styles, with a number of classic novels that have stood the test of time. Some of the most notable classic novels in Malayalam include:
“Kayar” (Coir) by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai: This novel, written in 1978, depicts the lives of the people in a village in the backwaters of Kerala, India, and their struggles and challenges. The novel is considered a masterpiece and is widely considered as one of the greatest works in Malayalam literature.
“Naalukettu” (The Ancestral Home) by M.T. Vasudevan Nair: This novel, published in 1958, is set in the early 20th century and depicts the decline of the traditional joint family system in Kerala. It is considered a landmark in Malayalam literature, and its themes of family, tradition and identity are still relevant today.
“Chemmeen” (The Prawn) by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai: This novel, written in 1956, is set in the coastal village of Chellanam and is widely considered a landmark in Malayalam literature for its powerful portrayal of the lives and struggles of the fisherfolk community. It also won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1965.
“God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy: This novel, written in 1997, is set in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is a powerful portrayal of the lives of an Indian family. It won the 1997 Booker Prize and has been widely translated.
“Yavanika” (The curtain) by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer: This novel was written in 1954, it explores the themes of love, human relationships and their complexities, it is widely considered as one of the most important works of Basheer.
These novels are considered as classics in Malayalam literature and are widely read and studied in India and abroad. They provide a powerful insight into the lives and struggles of the people of Kerala, and their themes and characters continue to resonate with readers today.
