TITLE: POONACHI: OR THE STORY OF A BLACK GOAT
AUTHOR: PERUMAL MURUGAN
GENRE: FICTION, NOVELLA
GOODREADS SYNOPSIS
Through a seeming act of Providence, an old couple receives a day-old female goat kid as a gift from the cosmos. Thus begins the story of Poonachi, the little orphan goat.
As you follow her story from forest to habitation, independence to motherhood, you recognise in its significant moments the depth and magnitude of your own fears and longings, fuelled by the instinct for survival that animates all life. Masterly and nuanced, Perumal Murugan’s tale forces us to reflect on our own responses to hierarchy and ownership, selflessness and appetite, love and desire, living and dying. Poonachi is the story of a goat who carries the burden of being different all her life, of a she-goat who survives against the odds. It is equally an expression of solidarity with the animal world and the female condition. The tale is also a commentary on our times, on the choices we make as a society and a nation, and the increasing vulnerability of individuals, particularly writers and artists, who resist when they are pressed to submit.
MY REVIEW
Have you ever read a book which has an ‘animal’ as a central character? Take my word this book represent a rare piece of work, which urges you to be more compassionate towards them. I have read his earlier work “The Goat thief” which is a collection of short stories based on raw human emotions and behaviour. In this novella, the author describes a goat’s emotions without compromising on the intricate details.
The author has satirically criticised the government’s policies and rules. He has explained social relevant issues that each citizen face from the autocratic administration of this so-called democratic country. And how the wealthy people enjoy the perk of government while destitute souls suffer.
His subtle yet powerful storytelling is profound in this work as well. He has composed the life of an orphan goat with utmost coherence, which made the book an unputdownable read. The way the author has described the intricate feelings of a goat astonished me! Even the book is a translated work, I think the essence of the original one remains intact. I must say the translator has done a good job.
This book set up in the outskirts of Tamil Nadu like his other works. The book has illustrated how the life of farmers turns upside down at the time of changing climates, especially during the severe drought.
I would heartily recommend this book to everyone. A must read!
MY RATING
5
You can buy the book here.
