Stepmother
About the book
Widowed professor Sundaravadivelu rebuilds his life with the beautiful Maragadham. Yet, their new beginning is overshadowed by the recent loss of his son. Through the innocent eyes of his lively, young daughter, Kunjamma, we see the tragic past begin to resurface. A spilled cup of milk ignites a chilling display, while seemingly ordinary scenes from the past reveal unsettling glimpses into the family dynamic. Can Sundaravadivelu and his family find a way to heal and rebuild their lives in the face of such a loss? Translated splendidly into English by Subash Jeyan, this simple, yet poignant story is a remarkable piece of psychological realism.This revised edition is being published under the Tamil Literature in English Translation initiative of the TNTB & ESC. Pudumaippittan (C. Viruthachalam) was an influential and revolutionary writer of Tamil fiction. Though his pungent social satire, progressive thinking and outspoken criticism of accepted conventions irked many contemporary writers and critics, he is widely accepted as a doyen of Tamil Literature. In 2002, the Government of Tamil Nadu nationalised his works.
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About the Book
Widowed professor Sundaravadivelu rebuilds his life with the beautiful Maragadham. Yet, their new beginning is overshadowed by the recent loss of his son. Through the innocent eyes of his lively, young daughter, Kunjamma, we see the tragic past begin to resurface. A spilled cup of milk ignites a chilling display, while seemingly ordinary scenes from the past reveal unsettling glimpses into the family dynamic. Can Sundaravadivelu and his family find a way to heal and rebuild their lives in the face of such a loss? Translated splendidly into English by Subash Jeyan, this simple, yet poignant story is a remarkable piece of psychological realism.This revised edition is being published under the Tamil Literature in English Translation initiative of the TNTB & ESC. Pudumaippittan (C. Viruthachalam) was an influential and revolutionary writer of Tamil fiction. Though his pungent social satire, progressive thinking and outspoken criticism of accepted conventions irked many contemporary writers and critics, he is widely accepted as a doyen of Tamil Literature. In 2002, the Government of Tamil Nadu nationalised his works.
Book details
- Format
- Paperback
- Publisher
- Katha
- Publication year
- 2024
- Weight
- 350 grams
- ISBN-13
- 9789394185531
- Pages
- 80
- Reading time
- ~3 hrs
- Age
- 11-18
- Country of origin
- India
- Dimensions
- 16 ร 21 cm
- Language
- English
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Stepmother (Chitrannai) is an emotionally layered story that explores grief, memory, and the fragile dynamics within a family trying to rebuild itself.
After the loss of his son, widowed professor Sundaravadivelu attempts to start anew with Maragadham. But the past refuses to stay buried. Through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of his daughter Kunjamma, everyday moments begin to reveal something unsettling beneath the surface. A simple incident, a spilt cup of milk, unleashes emotions that hint at deeper, unresolved tensions.
Written by the celebrated Tamil author Pudumaippittan, this story is a masterclass in psychological realism. It captures how grief, silence, and unspoken truths shape relationships in ways that are often invisible yet deeply felt.
Translated into English by Subash Jeyan, this edition brings a significant work of Tamil literature to a wider audience while preserving its emotional intensity and cultural depth.
Stepmother is not just a story; it is an exploration of how families carry loss and how the past lingers in the present.
What is Stepmother about?
Stepmother is a psychological story about a family dealing with loss, remarriage, and hidden emotional tensions. It explores how grief and memory affect relationships within a household.
Is Stepmother a thriller or a literary story?
It is primarily a literary work rooted in psychological realism, though it carries an unsettling, suspenseful undertone through its narrative.
Who was Pudumaippittan?
Pudumaippittan (C. Viruthachalam) was a pioneering Tamil writer known for his bold social satire, progressive ideas, and critical view of societal norms. He is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Tamil literature.
Is this book suitable for young readers?
Yes, especially for older teens and young adults who are comfortable with emotionally complex themes and literary storytelling.
What makes this book important?
It is a significant work of Tamil literature that combines simple storytelling with deep psychological insight, offering a powerful look into human relationships and social norms.
