ABOUT THE BOOK
A face-to-face confrontation between the World War II legend Rommel and a Malayalee army doctor, a mercenary versus a saint – such adventures, pastoral cameos, tales of the kindness of strangers and many others take one on a journey along a path that is much more than a trip down memory lane. This varied trail shows the minimalistic and partly cynical ethos of Kerala through a collage of its artefacts, architecture, customs, forebearers, and local and family lore. It winds mainly around ‘The House’ – the author’s ancestral home, and the people and verdure of his beloved village, Olavipe.
The journey is enriched by glimpses of the quiet, green city that was the Bangalore of old and its colourful characters and by homage to Indian hockey heroes.
Scenes on and around the Vembanad Lake of the Alleppey district of Kerala are some of the many images interspersed throughout the book, drawing one into a serene world contrasting with the frenetic pace of life today.
To those who enjoy observing different communities and cultures, this book has much to offer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PK Abraham Tharakan was born on November 4, 1933, to an old and distinguished family of Kerala known for its role in leading the Syro-Malabar Catholic community’s fight for autonomy from foreign dominance and for its vast holdings of coconut plantations and paddy fields. Breaking centuries-old family tradition, he was the first to pursue a salaried corporate career. He passed away on September 5, 2014, leaving behind his wife Annie and four children.
A graduate of St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, he completed his management training in Mumbai. As one of the founders of a major automobile-tyre manufacturing concern, he played a pivotal role in establishing the company and served as one of its first general managers. His expertise in corporate affairs earned him positions on the boards of multiple companies. An avid sportsman and celebrated hockey player, he represented University and State teams, earning numerous awards. He also held the position of Vice-President at his club in Kochi, where he was a beloved and esteemed member.
His profound love of reading and writing led him to author works on a wide range of subjects including church history, local flora, and encounters with Olympians, as well as short fiction. The narratives are generally set against the backdrop of his cherished Olavipe, an island eternally serenaded by the lapping of the waves of the Vembanad lagoon. His popular blog ‘The Song of the Waves’ has garnered a following that has been eagerly anticipating the compilation of his writings into a book.
