Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal

By D. Jayakanthan

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidargal (Of Men and Moments) captures the chequered life of the protagonist Ganga with sensitivity and empathy. Stumbling into sex with a millionaire playboy as an innocent teenager; ruthlessly driven out of the house; sheltered and educated by a benevolent uncle, a man of erudition with a lecherous streak; occupying a senior Government position; her man, Prabhu re-entering her life, now as a man of dignity, keen to see her settled in marriage; her total rejection of the idea, followed by bitterness and wantonness – the novel captures the indomitable spirit of a woman of courage and discernment. It won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972.

About the Author
D. Jayakanthan (1934) has written 14 novels, over 30 novellas, over 130 short stories, hundreds of essays and four ‘autobiographical’ works. An iconoclast who ridiculed exploitative social norms, his works reveal a deep and nuanced understanding of society. In an exceptional literary career spanning over half a century, and straddling several genres, he has won many honors and awards.