Book Review
Malathi Nidadavolu
Telugu Women Writers - 1950-1975, Andhra Pradesh, India.
First Edition 2008
Fount of information on Telugu Women Writers
It is very difficult to critically and creatively estimate women's literature by another woman writer without prejudice and preferences, but Nidadavolu Malathi succeeds in bringing out an exhaustive appraisal of Telugu Women Writers ( 1950-1975).with unbiased intellectual and emotional measuring up. This work is the author's labour of love and a genuine effort to showcase the unique phenomenon in the History of Telugu Fiction, and to shatter many illusions about women writing and women writers. This inspiring volume triggers an interest in readers to know more and more about the achievements of women writers and the legacy left behind by them. There must have been colossal constraints in bringing out such an exhaustive work which has a long and enduring list of women writers, but Malathi undauntedly articulates all her thoughts and assessments, sketching the trajectories of around 76 women writers. She approaches many issues with an understanding which is essential for someone who has taken up a work of this kind - a critical study.
In her foreword she emphatically says that " contrary to the popular belief that women's writing suffered for want of a 'room of her own' and/or lack of economic resources, Telugu female writers wrote and published their fiction with extraordinary success. Sitting quietly in their kitchens or on the back porch, they rose to a level where they could dictate their terms" -
There are several English translations in the book ably done by the author herself, to support her comments and views.
She addresses three main issues in her book- Telugu Women's education and scholarship, their status at home and society and their talent as writers during the period 1950-1975. She attempts to trace the familial, social, and economic conditions that contributed to the success of women writers during the period. She talks of various stages in the development of women fiction - a journey of ups and downs
She quotes some acerbic and caustic comments by reputed male writers apart from significant appreciation by some.
She observes that by mid-seventies women writers became increasingly conscious of social issues, unfair reviews of their writings by male establishment, and their own responsibility or eagerness to set record straight and that it is a step forward from previous century and a step in right direction. Malathi comments that women writers of nineteen- fifties started perceiving themselves as individuals which was evident in their choice of themes and their diction.She discusses at length those themes and techniques. There is detailed analysis of some important stories in this book.
With absolute certainty Malathi makes some pertinent observations such as - "One factor that worked both for and against the women writers of this period was the volume of fiction they had produced. On one hand, it helped to escalate the circulation figures for the magazines and the writers to attain a celebrity status. On the other, the amount of literature they were producing set off the elitists to undermine the value of women's writing"
There are very important topics covered like - " Women writers as a target of ridicule", " Culture and Humour in Telugu Fiction" " Language : Idiom, nuance, play upon words, imagery and references to historical figures or events"
A worthy and erudite preface by Kalpana Rentala adds value.
This work by Malathi Nidadavolu is truly a fount of information and resource on the contribution made by women writers in the field of Telugu fiction.
