What is pathrosinte padappukal?

Pathrosinte Padappukal (പത്രോസിൻ്റെ പടപ്പുകൾ) is a Malayalam novel written by V.J. James. It is a significant work in contemporary Malayalam literature, exploring complex themes. The novel revolves around the creation of life-sized wax statues of individuals who have died unnatural deaths.

• Central Concept: The book delves into the philosophical and ethical implications of creating replicas of deceased people, blurring the lines between art, science, and morality. It questions the very nature of existence and remembrance.

• Characters: The protagonist is a sculptor named Pathros, who is obsessed with creating these wax figures. The novel also features other characters who are emotionally invested in the statues, representing the families and communities affected by the deaths.

• Themes Explored: The novel explores themes such as:

  • Mortality: The human preoccupation with death and the attempts to overcome it through art.
  • Grief and Remembrance: How individuals deal with loss and the different ways they choose to remember loved ones.
  • Ethics and Morality: The ethical implications of manipulating life and death through technological or artistic means.
  • Religion: It touches upon religious beliefs related to death and resurrection.

• Notable Aspects: The novel is known for its compelling narrative, profound philosophical questions, and its exploration of human emotions in the face of mortality. It can be considered in the genre of Magical Realism due to the nature of wax sculptures coming alive.