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Bride in the Hills

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Bride in the Hills

Written by: Kuvempu, Vanamala Viswanatha - translator
Narrated by: Vanamala Viswanatha
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Buy Now for ₹1,141.72

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About this listen
 Set in the stately, forest-clad hills of Malnad in the Western Ghats during the late nineteenth century,Bride in the Hills tells the love stories of young men and women aspiring for a life of freedom, dignity and fulfilment in marriage within a caste-ridden social order. Kuvempu’s multi-centred text, with its organic weave of varied narrative strands, much like the Mahabharata, is epic in substance and style. The novel, which is rooted in the regional realities of Malnad, is yet another example of the diversity of modern Indian literature.Kuvempu (1904–94) chronicles the emergence of a vibrant and complex rural society caught between manipulative colonial norms and discriminatory native practices. Bringing in the distinct experiences of the Shudra lifeworld, he led Kannada literature to great heights with his profound and poetic writing. Kuvempu’s cosmic vision of vishva manava (universal man), which transcends narrow, sectarian boundaries, constitutes a precious legacy in the ethical traditions of the world.This epic novel with the sweep of a Tolstoy classic enacts its mission statement: ‘Here, nobody is important; nobody is unimportant; nothing is insignificant!’ with brilliance, energy and imaginative power. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics Drama Fantasy
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Kuvempu's Malegalalli Madumagalu is an elaborate and immersive world. Set in late 19th century Malenadu, It is a complex web of agricultural families, Gowda landlords, bonded labourers like Gutthi, and women whose marriages are tied to land and honour.
What moved me most is how it opens up the caste system of the 19th century. Kuvempu exposes the feudal life with brutal honesty - the normalised cruelty, the indignities faced by the tribals and women.

The novel's greatest strength is its detailed geographical reference. The mountains, the relentless monsoon, the paddy fields, areca gardens, rivers and forests are described in all its colours. You don't just read the landscape, you breathe it, you live it!

I don't think any other Kannada author comes close to Kuvempu, for that matter not many like him in India.

The nearest to him may be nobel winner Abdulrazak Gurnah.

Finally, Vanamala Vishwanatha's translation is passionately done. Translating Kuvempu's folk songs, dialects and poetry is a huge task, but she has preserved the quintessence. The poetry remains poetic and the soul of the Kannada original is intact.

A monumental translation and narration 5/5 for Vanamala vishwanath!!!

A must read for all Indians, and Kannadigas in particular

Amazing story, translation and narration

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