The Grande Matriarch of Malabar | Book Review

Review of Sajita Nair's The Grand Matriarch of Malabar

At a glance:

• Title -The Grande Matriarch of Malabar
• Author - Sajita Nair
• Publisher - Readomania
• Year published - 2nd June 2023
• Pages - 240
• Genre - Fiction
• Format - Paperback / eBook
• Buy the book on Amazon  

Blurb :

How far will you go to hold on to your heritage? Is the house more important than the people who live in it? Dakshayani Amma—the grande dame of matrilineal Kalyedath—must ensure its longevity, but having a differently abled daughter jeopardises her hope of an heiress. As her challenge turns into an obsession, she disregards her well-wishers and overlooks the stakes. But there is a price to pay.   When Rohini visits India from the US, she has only one objective in mind—the sale of the Kalyedath tharavad bequeathed to her. But when unexplained hurdles befall her, she is forced to revisit the past.  How are the two women’s lives intertwined? What happens to the tharavad? Does it become a relic like the traditional joint families?

My thoughts:

Closing the book felt like I just stepped out of Dakshayani Amma's house! The story had such a profound impact on me that I could still envision Amma peering out the window! 

The story commences with the shocking discovery of Dakshayani Amma's body in the well, followed by Rohini's attempts to sell off the inherited property. However, mysterious claims of seeing the matriarch's ghost and rumors of a haunted house make the task challenging. Does Rohini sell the property and does she get to know her grandma’s past, well, one must read the book to find out!

Right from the first page, the author skillfully immersed me in the world of Kalyedath Tharavad, the Matriliny institution of Malabar, and introduced the determined Dakshayani Amma, fiercely holding onto old customs and traditions despite a changing world.

The language used in the book is rich and captivating, making every page a joy to read. The vivid descriptions painted a clear picture in my mind allowing me to visualize the scenes as they unfolded.

The addition of footnotes for Malayalam words is helpful for those unfamiliar with the terms.

The story showcases the clash between changing times and Dakshayani Amma's refusal to adapt to new technologies, holding tightly to her traditional ways.

 

Dakshayani Amma's character is beautifully crafted, revealing her unwavering love for her daughter, Pavizham, and her resolute dedication to upholding the matrilineal culture, even going to great lengths to get Pavizham married. Bhanu's role as her confidant is portrayed exceptionally well, and the change she undergoes when her son acquires 'Dubai money' is thoughtfully depicted.

Achutan’s rebellious nature in his teens and later the sacrifices that he makes for his mother is very touching. Gauri’s soft and gentle character has my heart. Pavizham's disability becomes the cause of Achutan's hardships, and my heart goes out to Srikala, who is portrayed with immense emotional depth. Karnavar's character, with his intense emotions and loud voice, sends shivers down the spine. Though Gauri and Srikala are minor characters, their impact on the storyline is significant. As the book progresses, I'm torn between feeling anger toward Amma's behavior and having sympathy for her.

The cover art beautifully captures Amma's solitary demeanour, offering a glimpse into the book's theme.

Overall, this is an exceptional book that skilfully transports readers back to the 50s and 60s, enabling them to experience the sights, sounds, and culture of Malabar while witnessing the unfolding drama within the Kalyedath Tharavad. A 5/5 star rating is well-deserved for this marvellous read!

About the author:

Sajita Nair has published novels, short stories, essays and articles. Her debut novel She’s a Jolly Good Fellow, about the trials and tribulations of women officers in the Indian army, was well received. She has also authored a collection of short stories set in the armed forces and a novel about an adopted young woman’s unconventional life choices.

A former army Captain, she was one of the pioneer women officers. Apart from reading and writing, she enjoys the outdoors and nature. She lives in Bengaluru.

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