About the Book
Book: Mudritha
Author: Jissa Jose
Publisher: Harper Collins
Price: Rs 599/-
Mudritha explores the ambitions of women and the power in her decisions with a vanishing act story, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Jissa Jose’s Mudritha, expertly translated into English by Jayasree Kalathil, grips you from its opening premise: the seemingly improbable disappearance of a woman no one has physically met. Aniruddhan’s bewildered complaint to the Kerala police sets the stage for a compelling investigative thriller that swiftly transcends the mystery of Mudritha’s whereabouts to become a profound exploration of the inner lives of women yearning for more.
The initial setup is deceptively simple. A planned all-women’s tour to Odisha, meticulously organised by Aniruddhan at Mudritha’s behest, falls apart when the titular figure vanishes without a trace. Whilst the police are ready to dismiss it as a dead end, policewoman Vanitha’s quiet persistence unravels a narrative far richer and more resonant than a simple missing person case.
Jose masterfully uses Mudritha’s absence as a catalyst to make into the individual stories of the nine women who were meant to be on that tour. Through Vanitha’s discreet inquiries, we are introduced to a diverse tapestry of lives, each constrained by societal expectations, familial pressures, and their own unspoken desires. Their reasons for wanting to escape the “mundane confines” of their existence are varied and deeply human: the longing for independence, the pursuit of unfulfilled ambitions, the quiet rebellion against patriarchal norms, and the yearning for connection beyond their immediate circles.
The strength of Mudritha lies in its nuanced portrayal of these women. Jose avoids simplistic characterisations, instead offering glimpses into their vulnerabilities, their strengths, their simmering resentments and their quiet acts of defiance. We witness their struggles with love, anger, ambition, and the constant negotiation of their identities within a society that often seeks to define them. The planned tour to Odisha becomes symbolic of their collective yearning for liberation, a chance to “touch the world beyond” and perhaps, in the process, rediscover themselves.
The contemporary Kerala setting is vividly rendered, providing a rich backdrop to their stories and highlighting the specific cultural context that shapes their experiences.Whilst the initial premise is that of a thriller, Mudritha evolves into something more profound. The investigation into Mudritha’s disappearance serves as a narrative thread that binds together the individual stories, gradually revealing the interconnectedness of these women’s lives, even before they embarked on their planned journey. The novel subtly questions our assumptions about identity, connection, and the ways in which women look onto a world that often seeks to control their destinies. Mudritha is a compelling portrait of female solidarity, resilience, and the universal desire for self-discovery. It is a story that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on the invisible bonds that connect women.
