Minnalin oru Thuli

I have just read Minnalin oru thuli by Jey Sakthi. First of all I am quite taken by the importance that she places in her novels to the family members of the protagonists. Also the amount of patience and understanding displayed by the heroin, which is something that I believe young ladies of this generation lack. This is something that is not evident in books by Ramani amma, in her books, more emphasis is placed on the lady of the book (with the exceptions of very few books) and as I see it not enough importance is given to family relationships. I am always awed by the joint family concept, however since my marriage was a love marriage against both of our families wishes I didn’t get chance to be part of one. That wish is being partly fulfilled now, as we live near one of his cousin sister, whose house is always filled with people, all her brothers and in-laws live within walking distance and we all get together at least once a week.

When you are die hard fan of Ramani amma (RC) its bit hard to accept books written by other authors, it was the case for me too, I don’t appreciate the writing of Jey Sakthi (JS) madam, its drags on at parts and makes me skim over pages, but it’s the little things in her work that keeps me reading. Such as the Koyamputhoor accent that is evident in the books, the little romantic incidents between the couple and thoughtful happenings that keep the reader hooked. When comparing JS and RC, the names in RC books are always different (Madhurima for instance) whereas in JS books the names of the protagonist are always pure tamil (Illanchellian or Maanvizhi). Hats off for using Tamil names.

I really enjoyed the way Parani proposes to his loved one in this novel, the respect and care that the couple give to their elders. Another part of this book that I must share is at one point they are talking about no matter how modernized or intellectual women they can’t give up gossiping (especially in India), and they quote a poem to illustrate this point:

பெண்ணே!

அடுப்பிலே குழம்பு

இடுப்பிலே குழந்தை

நடுப்பகலில் ஊர் வம்பு

உடைத்து வெளிவருவது எப்போது?

Unfortunatly they don’t mention who the author to this is. But I think it beautifully makes a point.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and it is a must read and I would rate is 4 stars out of 5. share your thoughts on this book and other books by Jey Sakthi Madam…..

Mithra