R. Rajasree's Award-Winning Novel 'The Sthory of Two Wimmin' Explores Language and Patriarchy
The award-winning novel by R. Rajasree, initially penned in Malayalam and translated by Devika J, chronicles the lives of two childhood friends, Kalyani and Dakshayani, from northern Malabar. Their journey begins at the age of seven when a male teacher makes an inappropriate advance toward Dakshayani. Set in an ambiguous timeframe, likely post-1950 and during the 1960s/70s, the narrative reveals a society steeped in religion, superstition, local folklore, the caste system, and regional politics. Men exert control over women's bodies and finances, exemplified by practices such as a wife being shared between brothers. The translation preserves regional dialects, contrasting with the third-party narrator's standard English, enhancing the immersive experience. Penguin India published the book in softcover for Rs599, featuring an unconventional title that reflects its linguistic creativity.
Key facts
- The novel is by R. Rajasree and translated by Devika J.
- It follows two childhood friends, Kalyani and Dakshayani, from northern Malabar.
- The story begins when they leave school at age seven after a male teacher attempts to grope Dakshayani.
- The setting is unspecified but likely post-1950, during the 1960s/70s.
- The translation retains regional dialects from the original Malayalam to challenge standardized English.
- A third-party narrator uses standard English, while characters speak in dialect voices.
- Themes include patriarchy, caste, regional prejudice, and male impotence.
- Published by Penguin India in softcover for Rs599.
Entities
Artists
- R. Rajasree
- Devika J
- Kalyani
- Dakshayani
Institutions
- Penguin India
- ArtReview
Locations
- Malabar
- India