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I have always been the sort of reader who seeks comfort from the simplest of stories. Like how Sudha Murty connects with millions of people through her simple language, Murugan has a similar impact on the readers. I've often felt that his stories possess a certain quality of earthiness in them, a sense of belonging. At times, I cannot help but wish that I could read Tamil, just so I can enjoy his writing in its truest sense. Having read three books by him, I didn't have to think twice before purchasing Amma. The mere title of the book oozes warmth and this book of tribute that Murugan created for his mother is emotional, all the while portraying how beautifully women ran their homes through a series of hurdles.
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Through twenty-two short stories, Murugan gives us a glimpse of his life with his mother, Perumaayi. Hailing from a small village in Tamil Nadu, Murugan recalls how his mother deftly ran the house for many years with less or no support from her husband. With no formal education, Perumaayi was married off at a very young age and was instantly handed the responsibility of taking care of the house. Murugan recalls how his mother had a sharp mind, always thinking about ways to earn extra money so that she can send her sons to school. Her cooking, he says, was delicious even if it was prepared in a simple manner. Perumaayi strongly believed in the saying 'Work is worship' and was always found working in the farms and tending to the domestic animals that she reared. Murugan mentions the lovely manner in which the goat kids tailed her wherever she went, considering her to be their mother.
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Although Perumaayi had a difficult life, she managed to provide well for her family and the early death of her husband didn't break her will to survive. Instead, she worked fiercely till the very end, not depending on her sons for anything. She was self sufficient, practical and ran the house better than any man could have possibly done. It is abundantly clear that Murugan was always a mother's boy, often seeking comfort in her even as an adult. Unfortunately, he wasn't on good terms with his father and goes on to explain the possible reason for such animosity.
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Although Perumaayi was from an older generation, she wasn't one to believe in superstition. Out of all the chapters in the book, my favourite was ultimately the foreword which was written by Murugan's wife, Ezhilarasi. In it, she goes on to say how open minded her mother-in-law was, never forcing women to sit aside during menstruation period. How she wasn't religious but believed in a higher power and placed her faith in it. During arguments or quarrels between the two women, Perumaayi often forgave her daughter-in-law the very next day. Although she wasn't entirely happy about her son marrying a woman from a different caste, never did she treat the daughter-in-law harshly. Perumaayi was the sort of woman who knew what she wanted and never desired for more. She insisted on living alone until her last days and she did so strongly. Amma is a beautiful tribute and Murugan's writing was as always, very touching. This book is simple yet manages to leave behind a sense of warmth in the hearts of many and perhaps this is why Murugan is loved by thousands. I highly recommend this.
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Rating - 4.3/5.