What the Rains Foretold-N. Mohanan (Translated by Manoj Neelakanthan)

Book: What the Rains Foretold
Author: N. Mohanan
Translator: Manoj Neelakanthan
Publisher: Niyogi Books

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read translations of Indian folktales?

What the Rains Foretold by N. Mohanan and translated by Manoj Neelakanthan relates an origin myth of Kerala and its people. N. Mohanan’s work is an introspection into the mind of the protagonist, Vararuchi, and the tragic arc of his life. Young Vararuchi was an accomplished scholar, who sought to challenge destiny and overturn its writ. He was offered the coveted seat of the Royal Pundit at the King’s court, but demurs and declares he wishes to pursue the truth. On hearing a prophecy that he is destined to marry the child of a Pariah couple, Vararuchi seeks to subvert fate. Later he marries Panchami, the beautiful and accomplished young daughter of a Brahmin, but learns she is the same child. They have twelve children, who are forsaken at his bidding as he pursues his quest for knowledge. The children grow into fine young people from different walks of life-religion, warfare, the arts and crafts-to become the progenitors of Kerala, a land that thrives with prosperity and contentment. The conclusion that blends repentance and forgiveness provides a cathartic resolution. This elegant translation makes an age-old tale accessible tale accessible to a wider audience, as well as reveals the soul- stirring questions beneath the timeless story.

Indian folktales are quite interesting, and in a country with multiple languages and stories, each one can be quite enchanting. What the Rains Foretold is one such story that tells a story as old as time. The plot of the story is quite engaging, and the storyline is short and crisp, which keeps the main content of the story in focus. The storytelling is filled with emotions that change with each chapter, and the note that the story starts on and the note it ends on are quite interesting. The songbirds talking in verse was an interesting addition to the plot and it added a nice flavor to the plot as it moved along. Another aspect of the story that stood out for me was the visual detailing and the vivid description of places that help you paint a picture and enjoy the story. Translations are tricky, and Manoj has managed to execute the translation in a wonderful manner in such a way that the book does not seem to be stuck in a limbo between languages. This book reads in English fluently, and that is the true reason I loved the translation.

While there are not many characters in the book, Vararuchi’s character arc is quite interesting specially in the manner he internalizes the changes that happen through the course of his life. Panchami’s character is quite powerful and the choices she has had to make on the account of Vararuchi are not ones that a person can make without having a steel-like willpower.

This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who would like to explore a wonderful folk tale, and an amazing translation. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

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