History as a tool of power | Review of Vinoy Thomas’ Blackened, translated by Nandakumar K.

Vinoy Thomas, recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his 2021 Malayalam novel Puttu (Anthill), once again crafts a powerful narrative that delves into migration, caste identity, conversion, and generational trauma. Blackened (Karikkottakkary) has been translated into English by Nandakumar K., who has also edited Thomas’ other works like Anthill and Elephantan Misophantam (Aanaththam Piriyaththam).

Set in Kerala’s Malabar region in the 90s, Blackened plunges into the harsh realities of casteism, migration, and conversion. It raises unsettling questions about how history is remembered, erased, or reinterpreted — sometimes as a tool of power.

At the heart of this story is Eranimos Adhikarathil, a man born into a family that prides itself on being one of Kerala’s “ancient and venerated Christian families”. Known for its accomplished, fair-skinned members, the Adhikarathil family follows the rigid norms set by its forefathers. But Eranimos, from a young age, feels like an outsider in his own home. His unease only grows until a visit to Karikkottakkary sparks a personal awakening. This visit shifts the course of his life, leading him to claim a new identity as a Karikkottakkaran — an identity that becomes central to his journey of self-discovery.

Struggles of patriarchy

The women of the Adhikarathil family also play a crucial role in the story. Despite coming from a matriarchal lineage, their autonomy is often limited by conservative social norms. Thomas offers a nuanced portrayal of women navigating this tension. Emily, an educated woman, initially struggles within the confines of family tradition but eventually breaks free. Other characters too showcase forms of resistance, offering a powerful glimpse into what it takes for women to assert their agency in a restrictive environment and proudly accept their caste identities, not willing to it let go.

The narrative also confronts the harsh realities of caste, religious conversion and migration through the character of Sebastian V.D. from Karikkottakkary. His journey sheds light on the psychological and social burdens carried by those caught in this oppressive system.

What sets Blackened apart is its exploration of history as something malleable — a narrative that can be edited, erased, or bought, depending on who holds power. Through the Adhikarathil family’s obsession with legacy, Thomas makes a powerful statement on how history is shaped to suit present needs. The family’s desire to protect its prestige results in the rewriting of its past, erasing inconvenient truths and struggles for future generations. This exploration of historical revisionism is one of the book’s most compelling elements.

Complex moralities

The novel also excels in presenting morally complex characters along the lines of migration and conversion. Their choices often feel justified, making it hard to pinpoint who is truly at fault — the individual or the circumstance. This moral ambiguity lingers throughout the story, keeping readers reflective and unsure of where their sympathies lie.

That being said, the book isn’t without its flaws. The frequent shifts in setting — often without clear time-markers — can leave readers feeling disoriented. Characters who start out well-developed sometimes fade into the background, with their arcs concluded too quickly. But the constant twists and turns also keep the reader hooked. Just when you think you’ve untangled the family dynamics, an unexpected revelation pulls you back into the web.

Blackened is a powerful story about identity, history, and generational trauma. Its depth, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a memorable read. The questions it raises — about belonging, power, and the stories we inherit or choose to rewrite, will linger long after the final page.

swati.ks@thehindu.co.in