Ponniyin Selvan #1: English Translation of Tamil Classic Novel ~ Wow!
Ponniyin Selvan #1: Fresh Floods is the English translation of the first part of the popular and bestselling historical fiction classic novel in Tamil. The book, set in 11th Century Tamil Nadu, was written by Kalki in the 40s/50s, has been translated into English by Pavithra Srinivasan, and is published by Westland Ltd.
Book review in one word: Wow! 🙂
Here’s a short snippet of the story: The protagonist, Vandiyathavan, has been sent on an important mission by the Crown Prince of Chola Empire from Kanchi in the North to Thanjai in the South. He has to deliver an important message (written on a palm leaf) from the crown prince to both the Emperor and his daughter, the Princess.
On first glance, this looks like a courier delivery job, especially considering that the message to be delivered is within an empire. But the author introduces Pazhuvatharas — a powerful vassal King, part of the empire. These men control the ailing King (and hence the Kingdom, indirectly) at the Chola Headquarters in Thanjai.
The traitors will not allow communication between father and son because they plan to take over the empire through cunning and deceit. So this message is a crucial one and the book details the trouble undergone by the protagonist to deliver it. We also get to know about the spies he meets on the way, the cunning plans of vassal Kings, the Princesses who impress him (and their secret agenda), the actions of another powerful dynasty — Pandiya empire — to regain their territories from Chola Kings, friends, enemies, etc.
Except for excessive descriptions at a few places, I feel this is a brilliant book. The characters, the situations, the motivations, the treachery, the loyalty, individual and group agendas — everything is believable, exciting, and draws us right into the story and the period.
This book is a page turner. I, the slowest of readers, finished it within a week! Even through the book doesn’t end (there are six other parts), I am still happy with the experience/journey so far. Can’t wait for the second book to be translated and made available. The translation is very good, BTW.
I listened to the eBook (Google Play Store) via Text to Speech. In spite of the narration by a Robotic UK Voice (Amy – IVONA TTS), I could easily follow the story in English with a few Tamil words and phrases sprinkled here and there. So this book should be easy to read, even for people who don’t know Tamil.
If you want to read historical fiction set in India, this is an excellent option 🙂
Destination Infinity
Updates:
I think this book will be easy for me to read. I tried to read the Tamil version of Poniyinselven (downloading a pdf format) but I find it hard to read and stopped after few pages as I couldn’t understand the intense Tamil it was written.
Will download it soon.
i too heard that the Tamil version is slightly difficult to read, but not sure as I haven’t tried reading it myself. But the English version is fine 🙂
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Guys, thanks so much for the kind words. Am thrilled that you liked it so much. Kalki’s epic deserves all the kudos it can get.
Yes. And thanks for the excellent translation. Hope to read the other five books in this series soon…
Destination Infinity
The best of all the books I’ve read so far! No other literature work has penetrated so deep into my memories. I’ve completed the first two parts in tamil. I finished the whole of the first part by walking everyday to the Anna centenary library. So much engaging it was! Waiting to begin the third.
I am not sure how it would sound in English but I am sure it definitely cannot surpass the brilliance of the original tamil version.
Of course, the original version is always the best. But for people who can’t read the Tamil version, this is an excellent alternative. In my case, I listen to books nowadays, and hence an English eBook is the best option. I guess it’s the same with people who can’t read/understand Tamil.
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I had read in Tamil when it came in the Kalki magazine with Gopulu’s pictures…We were waiting to read every week…I still remember the pictures of Vandiaththevan, Naaganandhi, Kundavai etc. Beautiful pictures.
Oh, it’s Vandiya-thevan is it? The TTS application read the name as Vandiyathavan and since that name has been etched in my mind, I used the same in the review as well! Ought to have checked it 😛
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🙂
🙂
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Thanks for introducing the English version of one of the greatest Tamil classical novel.
Thanks to the translator and publisher who made it possible 🙂
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Oh wow! Thanks for sharing this, I’ve always wanted to see what was so great about Ponniyan Selvan, and now I can finally read it 🙂
Do read and put up a review on your blog 🙂
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I will try and get the book. Would love to read it.
Yes, I am sure you would like it 🙂
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havent read this book
it’s just a couple of clicks away 🙂
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It is an all time Tamil classic. Good to know about its translation. This wil be indeed a great read. 🙂
Yes. But if you can read Tamil, maybe you can read the original…
Destination Infinity