Must Read Malayalam Books

Best Malayalam books to read: Reading is an important part of life. It can be a great way to learn new things and gain different perspectives. Finding the right book can be a difficult task due to the vast number of options available. This is especially true if you’re not familiar with the language of the book you’re interested in reading. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best Malayalam books and why you should read them before you die.

First, let’s talk about what Malayalam is. Malayalam is a language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. It is a Dravidian language, which means it is not related to languages like Hindi or English. Malayalam has its own script and a rich literary tradition.

One of the reasons you should read Malayalam literature is that it offers a unique perspective on the world. Malayalam literature often deals with the everyday lives of people in Kerala, and how they navigate the complex social and political landscape of the region. This can be a refreshing change of pace from the Western-centric perspective that is often found in books and movies.

Another reason to read Malayalam literature is that it is incredibly diverse. There are many different genres of Malayalam literature, including poetry, drama, and novels.

Most popular genres of Malayalam literature

One of the most popular genres of Malayalam literature is poetry. Malayalam poets have been writing for centuries, and their work is still widely read today. Some of the most famous Malayalam poets include Kumaran Asan, Vallathol Narayana Menon, and Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri. Their poetry covers a wide range of topics, from love and nature to politics and social issues.

Another popular genre of Malayalam literature is drama. Malayalam plays often deal with serious social and political issues, and they can be a powerful way to raise awareness about important issues. Some famous Malayalam playwrights include C.N. Sreekantan Nair and Thoppil Bhasi.

Finally, Malayalam novels are also an excellent way to learn about the culture and history of Kerala. Some popular Malayalam novels include “Chemmeen” by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, “Naalukettu” by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and “Randamoozham” by M.T. Vasudevan Nair. These novels offer a glimpse into the lives of people in Kerala and the struggles they faced in the past and present.

Top Must-Read Malayalam Books: A Comprehensive List of the Best Malayalam Books

Some of the best Malayalam books for all-time reading include works by renowned authors such as M.T. Vasudevan Nair, O.V. Vijayan, and Kamala Das. In addition to these classics, there are many other excellent Malayalam books that are worth reading, such as “God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy and “The Great Indian Novel” by Shashi Tharoor. These books offer a wide range of perspectives and styles, making them ideal for readers of all ages and interests.


(1) രണ്ടാമൂഴം | Randamoozham

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“Randamoozham” is a novel written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair in 1984. The novel is widely considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature and won the Vayalar Award and the Sahitya Akademi Award. It is considered one of the best Malayalam books for all-time reading.


(2) KHASAKKINTE ITHIHASAM | ഖസാക്കിന്റെ ഇതിഹാസം]

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Khasakkinte Ithihasam is a Malayalam language novel by O.V. Vijayan, published in 1969. The novel is considered a modern classic in Malayalam literature and is widely regarded as Vijayan’s masterpiece. It is set in the fictional village of Khasak in Kerala, India, and is a complex exploration of the human condition, with themes of identity, faith, and the struggle for meaning in life. The novel has been translated into several languages and has won many awards, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for the best novel in 1970.


(3) AARACHAR | ആരാച്ചാർ

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Aarachar” is a Malayalam novel penned by K.R. Meera. The novel was first published in 2011 and won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Best Novel in 2013. The novel is a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of gender, caste, and power dynamics in a rural. It is considered a modern classic in Malayalam literature and has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling and evocative language. This Novel is translated to English by J. Devika as “Hangwoman”.

(4) Aadujeevitham | ആടു ജീവിതം

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Aadujeevitham is a book written by Benyamin. The story is about a man from Kerala who gets stuck in Saudi Arabia and has a hard time surviving and trying to return home. The book has received good reviews and has won awards. It has also been made into a movie and a play.

(5) Oru Sankeerthanam Pole | ഒരു സങ്കീർത്തനം പോലെ

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The novel “Oru Sankeerthanam Pole” was written by Perumbadavam Sreedharan in the year 1993. The story is set in the city of Saint Petersburg and talks about the life of Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his romance with Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina, who later became his wife. It was first published in September 1993 and it became very popular, selling over 100,000 copies in 12 years after it was first released.”

(6) Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil

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M. Mukundan’s “Mayyazhippuzhayude Theerangalil” is a renowned Malayalam novel that portrays the political and social landscape of the former French colony of Mahe, also known as Mayyazhi, with a blend of mysticism and spirituality. It is considered to be the author’s masterpiece and has been translated into both English and French.

(7) Nalukettu

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“M. T. Vasudevan Nair’s “Naalukettu” is a Malayalam novel first published in 1958, which marked the author’s debut as a major novelist. The story takes place in a traditional Nalukettu, the ancestral home of a Nair joint family, in Kerala, India. The novel explores the themes of tradition, family, and societal changes through the eyes of the protagonist, Appu. As with many of M. T. Vasudevan Nair’s other works, “Naalukettu” paints a picture of the decline of matrilineal society in Kerala during a time of great change in India, following independence.”

(8) Edinju Polinja Lokam ഇടിഞ്ഞു പൊളിഞ്ഞ ലോകം

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Edinju Polinja Lokam written by Perumbadavam Sreedharan.

(9) MULLAPPOONIRAMULLA PAKALUKAL (മുല്ലപ്പൂനിറമുള്ള പകലുകൾ)

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(10) UNNIKUTTANTE LOKAM | ഉണ്ണിക്കുട്ടൻ്റെ ലോകം

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Malayalam literature is an important and diverse genre that offers a unique perspective on the world. It is a great way to learn about the culture and history of Kerala and the Indian subcontinent. It is also a good way to get a fresh perspective on life and the world around us. So, if you haven’t read any Malayalam literature before, now is the time to start. You won’t regret it.

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