Book Review - Estuary by Perumal Murugan

Perumal Murugan’s novel ‘Kazhimugam’, translated as ‘Estuary’ into English by Nandini Krishnan is a story set in a technologically advance but morally decayed town. It depicts struggle of a government servant to fit in a fast changing world, his unease and incompatibility with the changing social norms.

 ‘It is the world where ugly habits prevail, where rules are broken, a world with no values, a world of greed and desire and cruelty, a world that has rotted from all these that best lends itself to fiction, and this world is that of asuras, Asuralokam’.

The novel is as much about midlife fear of its protagonist as it is about flaw in education system and a commentary on modern times.

Kumarasurar, the protagonist of the novel lives a disciplined and modest life. He doesn’t carry lofty ideals and is bereft of big dreams. His predicament starts with education of his only son, Meghas. He admits him in school which has very strict rules. Kumarasurar laments when he sees his only son crying whenever he goes to meet him.  Kumarasurar and his wife Magasuri want Meghas to become a doctor. He instead opts for engineering after his shooling. He insists for admission in a college which has very libral rules without any segregation between boys and girls. Kumarasurar fears that his son will be spoilt in such a free environment. It appears as if his son is slipping out of his control.

The millennial opens eyes with smart phones, smart TV, tablets, laptops, other gadgets and gizmos around. Their aspirations and inspiration are totally different from that of their parents’ generation. Virtual space has replaced the real playground, Interaction more happen on social media than physical world. The advancement in technology and usage of electronic gadgets has brought about life style aberrations and behavioral problems. There is alarming rise in addiction to pornography, virtual games, and obsession with social media. The technology may have brought some positive changes, it has negative effects too.

Meghas demands one electronic item after other. This scares Kumarasurar as he comes across several incidents of youths dying while taking selfie. He comes to know the instances of addiction of pornography and virtual games.

Meghas on the other hand surprises his father with his performance in his school examinations and also of knowledge about modern technology.

‘This generation had its various shortcomings—they didn’t respect older people, they weren’t polite, they couldn’t make conversation, their manners were deplorable—but they knew everything about gadgets’.   

The suspicion about his son’s indulgence and worries pushes Kumarasurar to the brink of madness. His wife Mangasuri calls his childhood friend who unravels the merits of modern technology and its benefits. This calms down Kumarasurar who finally comes to terms with the modern world and its reality. 

This is a well crafted, captivating book by the acclaimed Tamil writer Perumal Murugan. His last novel Poonachi was also well received.