Book Title: The Book of Exodus
Author: V.J. James
Translator: Ministhy S
Publisher: Vintage Books
Number of Pages: 408
ISBN: 978-0670096534
Date Published: Aug. 30, 2024
Price: INR 402
Book Review
Writer V.J. James’s magical realist novel “The Book of Exodus” takes readers to the made-up island of Potta Thuruthu. Originally written in Malayalam as ‘Purappadinte Pusthakam’ and now translated into English by Ministhy S, is a devouring read. Twelve years went into writing the book, which begins with a firebird’s warning, signifying the island’s ephemeral and constantly shifting character. James uses the remote island as a microcosm of larger socio-political issues, such as ecological degradation, relocation, and the effects of globalization on traditional life, as he investigates this impermanence as a primary topic.
Set in the landscape – Potta Thuruthu is both lovely and foreboding. Surrounded by salty winds and mangrove-lined backwaters, the island’s relative seclusion from the mainland emphasizes the fragility of its environment and the looming threat of industrialization. Author James skillfully creates the island as a realm unto itself while being strongly tied to the outside world through history, migration, and environmental devastation. He creates a universe in which the supernatural and mundane are intricately interwoven through vivid descriptions of the island’s geography and fabled residents, including spirits such as Chira Mallan and the monstrous Kayal Pottan. Writing this review while there was a fight going on in the forest lands of Telangana to stop the central and state governments’ plans to create an Indian Navy’s VLF radar station brings this story to life.
Following his coma recovery, the protagonist, Kunjooty, navigates the intricacies of island life. Throughout his travels, we encounter a variety of characters whose lives have been marred by tragedy and grief. The death of his grandmother’s husband in a fire sparks a gloomy exodus, echoing the biblical story of migration and survival. This subject of exile and movement runs throughout the work, emphasizing the historical migrations that built Kerala’s cultural and religious landscape. James creates a multilayered story in which the island’s past is just as important as its present, linking personal experiences to larger historical forces.
Blending different dialects, languages, and religious ideas is what makes “The Book of Exodus” unique. The polyphonic voice of the book captures the diversity of the island’s people as well as their nuanced caste, class, and gender interactions. James offers a moving commentary on the forces of tradition and modernity colliding as he examines the persistent injustices in Keralan society via the lives of his characters. The novel’s examination of caste-based prejudice emphasizes the ingrained biases that endure in even the most remote places, especially in the lives of Murali and Sarojini.
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Ultimately, “The Book of Exodus” is an ambitious and deeply moving work that offers readers a rich, multifaceted experience. Author V.J. James’s ability to create a world where myth, history, and personal narrative intertwine elevates this novel into the realm of modern literary magic realism. With its evocative prose, memorable characters, and insightful commentary on society, this is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of life in Kerala and the broader human condition.
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