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Readers embrace Tamil historical novels

Several historical novels bagging Akademi award add to their attraction.

Chennai: More than half a century after writer Kalki Krishnamurthy set the benchmark for Tamil historical novels with his evergreen Ponniyin Selvan, the present decade has begun to embrace historical novels with both hands.

Now historical novels have become a go-to option for publishers.

“At every book fair, we participate, historical novels fare well among readers. Interestingly Ponniyin Selvan tops the list till now,” P. Mailavelan, vice president, The Booksellers and Publishers’ Association of India, said.

Back to back Sahitya Akademi award winning Tamil novels Su. Venkatesan’s Kaval Kottam (2011), D. Selvaraj’s Thol (2012), Joe D. Cruz’ Korkkai (2013), Poomani’s Agngnaadi (2014) are all set in historical backgrounds on the basis of true events.

“Due to historical novels winning Sahitya Akademi awards, young readers go for them. Though books dealing with economics, entrepreneurship and health have some dedicated readers, historical novels remain at the top,” Mailavelan added.

He also said that readers are always fascinated by history. Though the increasing publicity for award-winning novels is one factor, the fascination is a major factor for their success, Mailavelan added.

“Madhorubhagan by Perumal Murugan, which also a historical novel has earned popularity after many outfits voiced against its content is also faring well. The sales increased the oppositions,” he added.

Meanwhile, publishers attributed the book fairs to the rare collection of books. “To buy rare books which could not be found in bookshops, readers visit the book fair to directly get them from publishers.

This is the main reason for the success of book fairs across the state,” P. Gurudev of Bellco said.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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