A review by pagesofelly
Yalpanam: A Novel by Shivani Sivagurunathan

emotional reflective slow-paced

3.75

In this novel, we are immersed completely in an old colonial house on Coal Island in Malaysia, which is swarming with ghosts - shadows that linger and tell stories of a beaten past. In Yalpanam, Pushpayangi, who has lived up to one hundred and eighty-five year old as a recluse, struggles to avoid the shadows and spirits - of her loved ones and vengeful enemies, who continue to scream for her attention. Her life was changed by the sudden appearance of eighteen-year-old Maxim, who seeks a new adventure after being sheltered by her family all this time. 

🔖 This was an intriguing read, to say the least. Following the unlikely blossoming of friendship and the constant exploration of what is reality against fantasy, the mind is constantly wondering. The characters come alive, in the retelling of past and present struggles, uncovering historical moments and modern day politics. Would recommend this read for an escape on a weekend morning.