Oru Sankeerthanam Pole

A critically acclaimed Malayalam novel, “Oru Sankeerthanam Pole” which means in English  “”Like a Psalm”, tells the story of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s life and love. Written by Perumbadavam Sreedharan in 1993, the novel takes us to the bustling streets of Saint Petersburg, where a chance encounter between the famed author and a young stenographer, Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina, blossoms into a love story.

Desperate to meet a looming deadline, Dostoevsky hires Anna to transcribe his novel, “The Gambler.” Despite his initial gruff demeanor, a complex and passionate man emerges beneath the surface. Anna, initially struck by his reputation as a gambler and an alcoholic, discovers a depth of emotion and a tormented soul wrestling with inner demons.

Perumbadavam Sreedharan delves into Dostoevsky’s psyche, exploring his loneliness, struggles with poverty and illness, and the ever-present shadow of his epilepsy and gambling addiction. Through Anna’s patient presence, Dostoevsky finds solace and a glimmer of hope. The novel culminates in the blossoming of their love, a testament to the transformative power of connection.

Perumbadavam Sreedharan’s masterful storytelling draws inspiration from Anna’s memoirs and Dostoevsky’s own literary works. Unlike other biographers who focus on his flaws, Sreedharan presents Dostoevsky with compassion. He argues that the author’s struggles were not mere weaknesses, but the crucible that forged his genius. Dostoevsky’s masterpieces, like “Crime and Punishment” and “The Brothers Karamazov,” are seen as products of his internal conflicts and creative agony.

Oru Sankeerthanam Pole’s enduring popularity is a testament to its highly elegant  portrayal of love and the human condition. The novel has sold over 200,000 copies and excerpts are included in Malayalam school and college curriculums, solidifying its place as a literary treasure.

– Williamsji  Maveli