Fading Dreams, Old Tales

Description

Set in the context of the history of the Communist movement in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Pa Visalam’s work is part-autobiography and part-political chronicle. The protagonist, the youngest in a large extended family, leads a carefree, pampered childhood, only to confront the real world after the death of her father. Although real incidents are narrated with candour and accuracy, the work is deeply personal and expressed in a stream of consciousness mode. From poverty and deprivation to discovering strength, individuality, and voice, both as a Party worker and as a strong-willed woman of unusual convictions, this is a story of hope—a true recognition of the understated qualities of a woman who has pursued her ideals with tenacity and faith.