KR Meera’s “Assassin”: Unveiling Truths Amidst Turbulence

Renowned Malayalam author KR Meera discusses her latest work, “Assassin,” which delves into identity, caste, and gender in a thrilling narrative. KR Meera’s “Assassin,” is a unique storytelling that intertwines women’s experiences with patriarchy, politics, and idealism. The book, translated by J Devika and published by HarperCollins, offers a charged personal-political narrative that explores the lives of women in turbulent times. Meera, a recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, explains that each of her protagonists is a reflection of herself, and “Assassin” was an ambitious experiment that drew from her own truths.

The novel’s protagonist, Satyapriya, comes from Meera’s own experiences, capturing the essence of her journey. The book addresses themes of power, patriarchy, and gender, sparked by the assassination of activist Gauri Lankesh. Meera reveals the deep connection between Satyapriya’s troubles and the context of demonetization in India, shedding light on how fiscal policies shape lives.

Meera asserts that violence, despite the changing times, remains rooted in history, emphasizing the role of true nationalism in understanding and addressing this issue. In the present climate of reduced tolerance for political dissent, Meera acknowledges the normalization of violence and emphasizes the responsibility of writers to challenge and question this normalization.

“Assassin” serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the intersection of personal and political, and KR Meera’s courageous storytelling delves into the heart of societal issues, urging readers to contemplate the role they play in shaping a just and equitable world.

–Re-reported from the article originally published in The New Indian Express