Book Review 116: What the Rains Foretold by N. Mohanan, translated by Manoj Neelkanthan

Based on the origin myth of the South Indian state of Kerela and its people, N. Mohanan's What the Rains Foretold narrates the mythical tale of the highly accomplished scholar, Vararuchi. The book has been translated into English from the Malayalam original Innaathe Mazha by Manoj Neelkanthan.

The tragic story of Vararuchi evokes pity and makes the readers contemplate. The young scholar Vararuchi refused the coveted position of the Roya Pundit at the King's court and decided to embark on a journey in pursuit of truth and knowledge. While on his journey, he happened to hear a prophecy which stated that he was destined to marry a Pariah girl. On hearing this, he was distraught and tried to prevent it by subverting fate. Years later, he got married to the beautiful and gifted daughter of a Brahmin, Panchami. However, Vararuchi was unable to escape from the clutches of fate. As fate would have it, he comes to know that Panchami is the same child of the Pariah couple whom he was destined to marry. Vararuchi tried to challenge fate and overturn its writ but his efforts were in vain. He realised the impossibility of altering one's fate. In his quest for knowledge, he abandoned all his twelve children. These children grew up into people from different walks of life and were all remarkable for their wisdom and accomplishments. They went on to become the progenitors of the land of Kerala.

The book has been brilliantly translated which makes it a lucid read. The tussle between man and his fate; man's desire to control his destiny which ultimately leads to his downfall has been outstandingly portrayed in this novel. It reminds us of ancient Greek tragedies. 

If you like reading novels based on myths and folklores, this book is definitely for you!

About the author: N. Mohanan (27 April 1933–3 October 1999) is the son of well-known Malayalam writer Lalithambika Antharjanam and Narayanan Namboodiri. He graduated with a degree in the Sciences and thereafter obtained an MA in Malayalam literature from University College, Thiruvananthapuram. Starting as a college professor, he worked in the public relations department of Kerala government and was the Director of Cultural Affairs, and Managing Director of Kerala State Film Development Corporation. He retired in 1988. His noted works include Ninte Katha Enteyum, Dukhathinte Rathrikal, Poojakkedukkaatha Pookkal, Seshapathram and Innalathe Mazha.

About the translator: Manoj Neelakanthan hails from Tiruvalla, Kerala. A post-graduate in design, he works as a design professional in a technology firm in Bangalore. He is married and lives with his wife and their two children. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

First Published: 2022

Pages: 172

Price: ₹395

You can buy this book from Amazon.

Thanks to the publisher, Niyogi Books, for providing me with a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.