Moustache

Winner of the JCB Prize for Literature 2020, S. Hareesh's novel "Moustache" is a richly layered story set in Kerala's Kuttanad region, exploring themes of ecology, power, and myth through the life of Vavachan, a Pulayan who becomes a mythic figure thanks to his distinctive moustache. The narrative intertwines land, legend, and social dynamics, blending magic and metaphor to create a compelling and thought-provoking tale. Celebrated as a contemporary classic, the novel offers a profound reflection on identity, tradition, and storytelling.