Pyre
We’re glad this article found its way to you. If you’re not a subscriber, we’d love for you to consider subscribing—your support helps make this journalism possible. Either way, we hope you enjoy the read. Click to subscribe: subscribing
Perumal Murugan
Translated from Tamil by Aniruddhan Vasudevan
This novel by the Tamil-language author Perumal Murugan tells the story of two young lovers, Saroja and Kumaresan, who hastily marry and move to Kumaresan’s village. But the lovers harbour a dangerous secret: their marriage is an inter-caste one. Their naive optimism quickly turns to horror after the villagers discover the truth and begin a campaign of outraged persecution. Murugan, who has written novels such as One Part Woman and Current Show, sketches a disturbing picture of innocent love pitted against fanatical prejudice.
Penguin Books, 270 pages, Rs 399
Thanks for reading till the end. If you valued this piece, and you're already a subscriber, consider contributing to keep us afloat—so more readers can access work like this. Click to make a contribution: Contribute