Island of mysteries | Review of ‘The Book of Exodus’ by V.J. James, translated by Ministhy S.

Acclaimed Malayalam writer V. J. James too, like some famous authors, had a tough time finding a publisher for his brilliant debut novel Purappadinte Pustakam. Interwoven within the larger story of Potta Thuruthu are several smaller stories with a cast of many intriguing characters who enter and exit like crucial punctuation marks. Would that form another black chapter in the Book of Exodus?” Retaining the essence of the original The novel is made engaging by the many, diverse characters, each helping to advance the story and evoking varied reactions. Kunjootty’s parents, the pious Eli and the detached Zavarias; the poison healer’s son Koppan and his adulterous wife Unnicheera; the uncanny Ezuthassan who leads a solitary life; the elusive Chiriyantan David and his blue-eyed French-speaking daughter Anita; Murali, the flautist friend of Kunjootty; the three maverick nomads who dealt with monkeys and serpents; the mysterious monster Koyal Potten.