Ponniyin Selvan - A real treat!

Now that I have started reviewing books, I thought I could share one of my most enchanting experience reading a book and that is none other than Kalki's tamil masterpiece Ponniyin Selvan(பொன்னியின் செல்வன). It is an absolutely nerve cracking novel(epic?) of
espionage with a plot that a few writers were able to acheive in this entire world. Guys, I really mean it.


The story is placed in the early 15th century of southern India when it was divided into Cholas, Cheras and Pandiyas. While the Pandiyas are trying to muster an army against the Cholas, a spy is summoned by the Cholas to go across the enemy terittory into Sri Lanka to bring back their beloved prince Raja Raja cholan (a.k.a Ponniyin Selvan). The story is centered upon the main character Vandhiya Thevan Vallavarayan, who is a lovable spy and it is his adventure that is covered in most parts of the book. There are several sub plots in the story which intertwine with each other beautifully and the author unties all the knots like a magician towards the end.

Character development: top notch! You'll remember the characters even after several years of reading this book. And the author successfully takes us back to 15th century with ease. You'll feel you are right in chola kingdom when you read the first chapter. And the first chapter is itself memorable! After completing this book, you will surely want to be in that era. But unfortunately there is still no time machine :-). But this book is close to being one.

This book is easily comparable with the likes of The Lord of the Rings (which is also a masterpiece) and even betters it in several aspects. Please be aware that this book is written in very simple Tamil that you come across in your daily life. If you feel that you can't read Tamil as fast as other do, well, you should feel lucky as you would be reading this longer!

The book comes in 5 parts and the total boxed set wouldn't cost you more than Rs.200.

Some interesting facts
* Ponniyin Selvan was printed in a weekly named Kalki for 3.5 years
* The Russian version of the book sold 10000 copies in the first 4 days of its release
* The book is not copyrighted now. So there can never by piracy :)
* The book was written in 1954!
* This is still the best selling book in tamil fiction.