Kusumabale

Devanoora Mahadeva

Translated from Kannada

by Susan Daniel

Oxford University Press

152 Pages, Rs. 250

A modern tale imbued with folk elements and colloquial speech, this novel about feudal oppression marked a turning point in Kannada literature when it first appeared, in 1988, for its departure from realism. Mahadeva leads us into a world of spirits, who are driven by a strong sense of justice. As we listen in, their conversation introduces us to four generations of a family: Akkamahadevamma, her son Yaada, his son Somappa, and the main protagonist, Somappa’s daughter, Kusuma. Following these different voices, we start to encounter the harsh realities of Dalit life.