The Demon Seed and Other Writings

This was my first time reading MT Nair's writing, an author whose name I've always heard associated with Malayalam literature, and I am honestly impressed. Each story is set in a time filled with abject poverty, yet the social commentary subtly done really makes you think. He really brings to light the utter stupidity in caste pride of the Nairs, when they are starving and on the brink of homelessness, we see characters caring about their reputation and what others think of them. There is a firm belief in the Goddess and pleasing Her, while living in the worst possible conditions possible. There's also looking down at Cherumans, Pulayas and other castes, all while being selfish and utterly devoid of humanity.
The novel, The Demon Seed, show more was added to these short stories and it was hella depressing. Ofc Kerala society has quite a few people that still care about their reputations and family pride, all while living the most pathetic of lives and having zero moral character - as in the case of many characters in this book. But this novel also showcases the fights between Hindu-Muslim (Mapilla) communities at the time - however, all is forgotten at the face of death and cholera. There's no ending as such, just realities.
I hated the translation; that's what killed this book for me. Super clunky and annoying to read, with no sentence flow. show less