Skip to product information
1 of 1
Perumal Murugan

Penguin Random House

Pyre

Pyre

ISBN: 9780143429012

Paperback

Low stock

Regular price Rs.480.00
Regular price Sale price Rs.480.00
Sale Sold out

Pyre by Perumal Murugan is a haunting and tragic narrative that takes a bold, unflinching look at the devastating impact of caste-based discrimination in rural India. The story revolves around the forbidden love of two young people, Saroja and Kumaresan, whose relationship is torn apart by the rigid social structures of their community.

Set against the backdrop of rural Tamil Nadu, Pyre chronicles the couple's struggle to maintain their bond amidst overwhelming opposition from their respective families and society. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple faces enormous pressure to conform to the caste system, and their union becomes an impossibility within the narrow confines of their society's norms.

The novel follows Saroja and Kumaresan’s tragic journey as they fight to be together, ultimately leading to catastrophic consequences. Murugan weaves a story that is at once heartbreaking and powerful, exploring themes of love, identity, social justice, and the suffocating grip of tradition. The book's title, Pyre, symbolizes the destructive power of societal intolerance, which burns away the possibility of their love and dreams.

The narrative’s raw portrayal of caste-based oppression and emotional alienation serves as a potent commentary on social norms and the price of individual freedom in a deeply hierarchical society. The poignant prose and the vivid depiction of rural India make Pyre a deeply moving exploration of personal and social tragedy.

Why Read This Book

  • Deep Exploration of Caste and Social Inequality: Pyre is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the pervasive and damaging effects of caste-based discrimination. Murugan’s depiction of caste-based oppression resonates deeply, not just in India, but also in broader global contexts where systemic inequalities persist.
  • Heartbreaking Love Story: At the heart of Pyre is a love story that is doomed from the beginning. The emotional intensity and tragedy of Saroja and Kumaresan’s relationship evoke empathy and make the reader feel the weight of societal pressures on individuals trying to break free.
  • Universal Themes of Identity and Belonging: The novel resonates with readers globally, touching on the universal human experiences of love, identity, and belonging. The characters’ struggles to live authentic lives in the face of oppressive structures are relatable across cultural boundaries.
  • Timely Commentary on Tradition and Progress: Murugan’s work highlights the tension between societal traditions and the personal desire for change and growth. This reflection on how tradition can stifle progress is a critical conversation in today’s world.
  • Lyrical and Masterful Writing: Perumal Murugan’s storytelling is exquisite. The translation by Aniruddhan Vasudevan retains the lyricism and emotional depth of the original Tamil text, making the book a compelling read for literary fiction lovers.

About the Author

Perumal Murugan is an acclaimed Tamil writer and novelist, widely known for his fearless examination of the complexities and taboos of rural life in India. Born in 1966 in Tamil Nadu, Murugan's works often explore themes of caste, social inequality, and human emotions, especially within the confines of traditional rural life.

He gained significant attention and faced controversy with his novel One Part Woman, which depicted the oppressive cultural norms related to caste and sexuality. Despite facing public protests and even a ban, Murugan’s writing remains an essential voice in modern Indian literature. His works have been translated into several languages, earning him international recognition for his unflinching portrayal of India’s social fabric.

Information Icon Descriptions are sourced from publishers or third parties and are not independently verified See our disclaimer

×

Disclaimer

Book descriptions and information on our website are sourced from third parties, including websites and publishers. While we aim for accuracy, we do not verify these details. The information provided may contain inaccuracies or may not be relevant to your context.

We recommend that customers review book summaries, author information, and available reviews before purchasing. If you find any misinformation, please contact us at contact@biblionepal.com. Your feedback is valuable, and we will address any issues promptly.

Please note that the information contained on this website is subject to change without notice and may be subject to copyright.

View full details