My book "Daughters of Kerala"

     "A Rented House" is written by Sachidanandan who also writes under the name Anand. He is a trendsetter who has written several books --philosophical works and about issues of social importance-- and has received numerous awards. He demonstrated extraordinary courage of conviction in rejecting two prestigious awards.


     “A Rented House” is about a couple who lives in rented houses just long enough for the writer husband to complete a project. When they leave the “Comfortable old fashioned house, situated in beautiful surroundings,” that they had rented last, the wife, Vimala, wonders why they never want to own something and stay at one place just to live there not just use it to accomplish something.

     The surroundings of this last house are indeed beautiful, with clusters of tall bamboo trees, a small river running along the periphery of the village, a path rather than a road that Vimala can see from the second floor of the house, villagers driving their cattle home in the evening—-the whole scene has captured Vimala’s heart. Although it is very different from the city they are used to living in, Vimala does not want to leave this place in a hurry. She wonders why she and her husband never want to settle down in one place.

     The thought comes up because of the situation of the woman who takes care of their needs at this old fashioned house. This woman used to be the companion to the former owner of the house who lived in grand style and had parties with entertainments which the woman used to oversee.

     She took care of him while he was sick until he died. After his death, she has no claim to the property and no special position to live in style. The one who bought the house has kept her to take care of the guests who rent the place. It is only the memories of the events that took place in the house while she lived with the rich owner that keep her there. She would rather live there even as a servant than leave the house only because she has memories that she doesn’t want to forget.

Website http://www.achammachander.com/
India Edition  w