The Book of Desire is the awardwinning (and Womens Prizeshortlisted) writer Meena Kandasamys luminous translation of the Kamattuppal, a 2000yearold song of love and pleasure and the third part of the Thirukkural one of the most important texts in Tamil literature. Written by the poet Thiruvalluvar, the Kamattuppal section of the Thirukkural focuses on love and female sensuality. It is the most intimate section of this great work and also, historically, the part that has been most heavily censored. Although hundreds of male translations of the text have been published, it has also only ever been translated by a woman once before. The Book of Desire is Meenas own feminist reclamation of the Kamattuppal. With her trademark wit, lyricism and passionate insight, she weaves a magic spell taking the reader on a journey through 250 kurals (short verses), organised under separate headings The Pleasure of Sex, Renouncing Shame, The Delights of Sulking the result is a fresh, vital, and breathtaking translation. This is a book that fizzes with energy, is full of delight that conveys powerful messages about female sensuality, agency, and desire. It is a revolution 2000 years in the making.

Binding: Hardback;150 pages; Publisher: Galley Beggar Press; Classification: DC; Weight: 456 g; Dimensions: 143 x 224 x 25

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