Aaramathe Pennkutty, a Novel in Malayalam by SETHU explores the existential dilemma haunts a girl, picked up and raised by a childless couple. The apparently simple story has dimensions of the sufferings of pretty girls in society and destruction of their individuality. The theme is universal: that oppressed women have a stronger tone than those of the feminists.
Sankararaman, a flower merchant picked up a four-year-old sickly girl at a temple festival. He and his wife Gomathy were childless. Gomathy was initially very reluctant to accept the girl, but later when the girl fell seriously ill, in a poignant moment, she accepted her and loved her as her own daughter. Thus Kadambari grows up, gives the couple the bliss of an offspring. Kadambari`s beauty poses a problem and she is unable to cope with the world. Her fickle mind makes her leave the family that gave her an identity. The foster mother, who finds it difficult to withstand her unexplained disappearance, resorts to death. Sankararaman is left with a letter from Kadambari assuring him of continuing the family flower business.
The novel raises social issues, the plight of downtrodden women, and on the attitude of well to do women. For example, the lady doctor in the colony cannot think of another girl becoming a doctor and entering the profession.
The jibe at the educational system, the familial relations and the cruelties of fate raises many points to ponder.
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