Devan books

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Devan books - release of his titles

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/12/s...1251250300.htm

A mirror to human nature

SUGANTHY KRISHNAMACHARI

Five of Devan’s titles were released at the 95th birth anniversary celebration.

PRINTED AGAIN: Devan’s books were released recently. At the function (Top, from left) Ashokamitran, columnist Vannanilavan, Badri Seshadri of Kizhakku Pathippagam and Viswanathan of Devan Trust.


A function was recently organised by Devan Trust and Kizhakku Pathippagam at Smt. Sivagamy Pethachi Auditorium to mark the 95th birth anniversary of Tamil author Devan. New editions of five of Devan’s titles were released on the occasion by writer Ashokamitran. Vannanilavan, who has written extensively on Devan in the Tamil magazine Tuglaq, received the copies.

Ashokamitran said that Devan tried his hand at every kind of writing — short story, novel, travelogue and reporting and analysis of news. During the Second World War, Devan wrote Yudha Diary, which gave a brilliant analysis of the war, making Ananda Vikatan one of the best sources for war news.


Devan’s books always ended on a positive note. He would put his characters in all kinds of difficult situations, but in the end he would untie all the knots and end the story on an optimistic note. Badri Seshadri of Kizhakku Pathippagam proposed a vote of thanks.

Devan’s ‘Parvathiyin Sankalpam,’ was read by the members of Gurukulam Boys Company, which transported the audience back to the 1950s.


Although it was only a play reading, the excellent voice modulation of the artists made the story come alive.

A quick glance at the titles:

Justice Jagannathan


Devan wrote this when the jury system was still in vogue in India. We are first introduced to the jurors, who are themselves colourful characters. Varadaraja Pillai is in the dock for the murder of his father in law. Devan, who served as editor of Ananda Vikatan for many years, must have had experience in legal reporting, and this is evident in the trial scenes. The book is taut with suspense, and one is left guessing till the end about the innocence or otherwise of Varadaraja Pillai.

Lakshmi Kataksham

Kantamani, the beautiful daughter of Pasupathi Pillai, is ill-treated by her step mother, who wants her to marry a rich, old philanderer. Kantamani gets a reprieve as childhood friend Duraisami marries her. But her troubles are far from over. Lakshmi Kataksham is about the trials and tribulations Kantamani faces in life. A touching story, evocative of an innocent era, in which, family ties and even loyalty to the company one worked for, guided one’s decisions in life.

Kalyani

For Sundaram, it is love at first sight, when he sees Kalyani. He follows her to Kumbakonam. Kalyani’s grandfather had married young Alamelu, shortly before his death. Everyone in the household tries to lay their hands on the jewels that rightfully belong to Kalyani. Sundaram, who cannot stand by and watch his beloved’s jewels being stolen, jumps into the fray. The story is reminiscent of the sort of hilarious mix up one finds in PGW’s Blandings Castle stories.

Mr. Vedantham


His father’s death comes as a jolt for Vedantham, who has been frittering away money and neglecting his studies. Now it is a mountain of debts he faces. Without wealth or a college degree he lands in Madras, which teaches him lessons. The beauty of the book is that it holds a mirror to human selfishness and envy, without being preachy or soppy.

C.I.D.Chandru

Chandru, a confirmed bachelor, is a man whose keen observation makes him a kind of local Sherlock Holmes. His deductive abilities help him solve the case of the stolen bag. What does the bag contain? Why was it stolen? And why do different characters in the story have different stories about the bag? Chandru solves all these puzzles. A racy read, with Devan’s characteristic humour.

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[ksen]

Thuppariyum Sambu series is very enjoyable (adhu mattumdhaan padichirukkEn )

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yes . There are some other excellent short stories compiled and released by Alliance.
பெயர் போன புளுகுகள், சொன்னபடி கேளுங்கள், ரங்ஙூன் பெரியப்பா, போக்கிரி மாமா, பல்லிசாமியின் துப்பு, ஏன் இந்த அசட்டுத்தனம்

are laughter riots with implicit meaning also.
His satire is excellent and he must have been one of those who would have inspired some to follow. Cho & Crazy Mohan are his avid readers.

His concept of conversing directly with the reader with some charecters is amazing and certain charecters will tell their story with brilliant humour.

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பெயர் போன புளுகுகள

manager:- enna sir, unga paiyan onrukkume layakka irukka mattan polirikke

vanthavar: athan, avanai unga companiyil thalli vidalamnu vanthen.
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enn mattu pennai naan apdi enna patuthipitten. ennamo naan ezunthirukkarathikku oru arai mani munnale ezunthu, naan patduthu kondapuram patuthokkonnu thaane sonnen.

neenga eppo ezuntherukkeral? eppo paduthukarel?

kalambara 4 manikku ezunthurippen. rathiri 12 manikellam paduthuppen .
(these are only titbits in the last pages of the book. main book is story based as always by Devan's inimitable style

[ksen]

enn mattu pennai naan apdi enna patuthipitten. ennamo naan ezunthirukkarathikku oru arai mani munnale ezunthu, naan patduthu kondapuram patuthokkonnu thaane sonnen.

neenga eppo ezuntherukkeral? eppo paduthukarel?

kalambara 4 manikku ezunthurippen. rathiri 12 manikellam paduthuppen .

This is not a joke My grandmother used to do exactly the same thing, just for the heck of it. May be the 12 would be around 11 pm.

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yes. it is not fun. Devan's stories contains such satire on the then prevailing mindset.

[sivank]

Devan´s Miss Janaki, Mythili, Gomathiyin kadhalan, Parvathyin sangalpam, His travelogue about temples in Tamil Nadu Nadandhadhu Nadandhapadiye are classic books which has to be treasured