KAMIKA- A NOVEL SET IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF LUST

KAMIKA- A NOVEL SET IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF LUST
By WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
"Kamika," a novel set in the political, social, and caste context of early years of Kerala, delves into the human experiences of lust, love, revenge, and betrayal. Employing a distinctive storytelling approach, the novel vividly captures the essence of sensual scent of feel affection to the laborer's sweat, and the bliss love making . Setting itself apart from conventional Malayalam novels confined to journalistic language, "Kamika" narrates the story of Neelandan, the Pappad seller, and his community in Kerala, providing insights into the caste-political and social landscape of the 1970s. Amidst the exploration of a sexy lady's justification for her erotic exploits, the novel unfolds the lives that either endure or break down.
The onset of contemporary novel writing marked a essential moment, characterized by a blend of optimism and trepidation, particularly since it unfolded in the century closest to the commencement of a new millennium. Many envisioned it as the dawn of a new era for humanity. The literary movement recognized as the modern period, spanning from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, encompassed various evolving writing styles that significantly influenced the trajectory of literature.
Literary modernism granted authors a newfound freedom to experiment with their modes of expression, transcending the constraints of the past. Modernist works featured free-flowing inner dialogues and non-linear storylines, accentuating the experiences and emotions of individuals. Notable writers of modern literature include M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Late Punathil Kunjabulla, Sethu , M.Mukundha, Kakkadanadn and T. Padmanabhan . The modern period in Malayalam novel category commenced in the 20th century and extended until 1965, witnessing a radical departure from traditional ways of engaging with the world. Unlike earlier periods where experimentation and individualism were discouraged, the modern era embraced these as virtues, leading to cultural shocks.-