Poonachi is a story that personifies a black goat as a symbol of women in Indian society, and sometimes women in general. The writing is captivating, with a focus on the daily lives of farmers and their animals. It's a straightforward story with magical realism elements, portraying the hardships faced by an elderly couple raising a small, weak, and unique goat named Poonachi. The story is about how Poonachi became a miracle that transformed the couple's lives. This is Murugan's debut novel, translated into English by Kalyan Raman. As someone new to Tamil literature, I found Raman's translations commendable. The narrator's voice in the audiobook also did an excellent job of bringing out the various characters' nuances and voices. Some parts may sound odd, but I think the translation successfully preserved the original essence. After finishing the book, I felt a profound heaviness. I couldn't decide if Poonachi is a literary masterpiece or something I'll forget in time. The story is a blend of the various ways human civilization has adapted to function over the ages, combined with the emotions of an innocent animal exploited by humans for their benefit. At times, it's as if Poonachi is describing the agonies of her story and your own struggles as well. Perumal Murugan successfully captures the essence of women through Poonachi's story. Her struggles and dreams represent the innocence of daughters in our society. As Poonachi ages, the weight of responsibility and societal expectations grow exponentially, leading her to sacrifice everything she has to bear that burden. The story's highlights include family bonds, love and longing, and the struggles of simple village life during hardship, as well as the people's connection with their animals. I enjoyed the second half more than the first. Some parts were uncomfortable to read because of the realistic details, but overall, it's a good read.

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