My book Daughters of Kerala

Vaikom Murali
Literary Columnist

An extraordinary translation of Malayalam short stories comes out of Achamma Chandersekaran's magical touch of translation. The great literary tradition of Malayalam which is one of the richest of Indian languages, finds its way into world literature through this re-creation of some excellent short stories. They must be considered as a profound expression of women's predicament presented through a feminine perspective. The stories are beautifully translated without losing the perfume of some of the great writers of Malyalam literature.

Carole Hayes
English Professor (Retired)


Thanks to their adept translator, Achamma Coilparampil Chandersekaran, the stories in "Daughters of Kerala" preserve each author's distinctive voice. At the same time, the collection raises universal questions about the lives of girls and women. The book will make a welcome text in a course in world literature, women's studies, or short fiction. "Daughters of Kerala" will also appeal to the individual reader seeking a book as entertaining as it is informative.

______________
M.V. Pillai, M.D.

Achamma Chandersekaran's latest work "Daughters of Kerala" is one part an impressive anthology of Kerala women's whirl into the 21st century and another part an artfully distilled essence of the crème de la crème of prose fiction in contemporary Malayalam literature. Portrayed in twenty five lushly crafted and skillfully translated short stories and centering on the trials and tribulations of women caught on the cross purposes at work within families, this literary feat illustrates the cultural evolution of a populace

Gita Bhatia
(Writer)

"Daughters of Kerala" offers a rare insight into the innermost beings of Kerala women and their relationship with men in a context not easily available in the West. Chosen with an open mind from a vast sea of short stories in Malayalam, each story is a brilliant gem that is meant to be enjoyed and treasured, one at a time. I would highly recommend this book for a program in Women's studies and for some deeply satisfying reading.



___