First published in 1956, Chemmeen tells the story of the relationship between Karutthamma, a Hindu woman from the fishing community, and Pareekkutty, the son of a Muslim fish wholesaler. Unable to live with the man she loves, Karutthamma marries Palani, who, despite the scandal about his wife’s past, never stops trusting her, a trust that is reaffirmed each time he goes to sea and comes back safe since the sea-mother myth among the fishing community is that ...
Winner of the President's Award, Chemmeen is an eternal romantic classic based on the backdrop of Kerala in Southwest India. Unfolding a story of devotion, greed and sacrifice; of a taboo violated and of retribution, this novel portrays a precarious livelihood of the fishermen community of Kerala.