Aalanda Patchi by Perumal Murugan

Translated to English: Fire Bird by Janani Kannan

Aalanda Patchi by Perumal Murugan was our foray into Tamil literature (translated to English by Janani Kannan) and it’s left us looking forward to reading more of Mr. Murugan’s books. The story is set at a time when farming land in Tamil Nadu could be bought for 1000s of rupees… so a really long time ago. 

The story follows Muthu, the youngest child of a farmer, who  in the blink of an eye, loses everything he held dear; the adoration and love he had become accustomed to from his siblings and parents growing up, the older brother he held on a pedestal, his identity rooted in contributing to and working in the family land… it all comes crashing down when land and hierarchy trumps familial bonds and Muthu is left behind with a pittance, unable to provide for his wife and 3 kids. We follow Muthu’s journey as he tries to find a new home for his family, displaced and having lost all peace, he worries about cultural differences, money, a secure future and searches for what we all look for, a sense of belonging. 

The title of the novel, Aalandapatchi (Fire Bird, a mythical bird)  is in deference to Peruma, Muthu’s wife, who is acerbic, aggressive, and belligerent, but is the catalyst that pushes Muthu to remove his blinds and see people for who they truly are and sets him on a path to define his own future outside of what his family deemed enough for him.  She rages and rebels in the limited ways allowed to her in a choking patriarchal society and while it's hard to stomach it, you can’t help but be amazed at her steadfastness and courage even when living within a social system that affords her no rights, dignity, or independence. 

Even though we are from the same state, albeit speak a different dialect of the language, the world of a farmer that Perumal Murugan simply and beautifully brings to life is worlds away from our own (socially, culturally, experientially). The reverence given to land, animals, birds, and the forces beyond your control, the pride and joy taken in the work you do, and the play of caste and religion interspersed in every facet of the community is striking. The differences can be polarising…  and yet, there is so much of the story that resonates with us, that helps us value everything we take for granted, and truly enjoy the life you live, however small or big, if you are happy in it… which stands starkly in contrast in this age of FOMO.  

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One of our favorite quotes from the book