Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Once: Novel Explores Love, Memories, and Unfulfilled Longing
The book "Once" is about a writer looking back on a past love.
He remembers a special woman from his youth who inspired him.
The story explores their emotional connection and how their love didn't last.
Years later, they meet again in a hospital.
The author's story is filled with memories and feelings.
It looks at how love, even when it ends, can still shape a person's life and art.
The book touches on themes of unfulfilled love and how memories can resurface.
The novel is a translation of N. Mohanan's Malayalam novel, 'Orikkal.'
The story explores the author's relationship with a woman who greatly influenced him.
It is a memoir-style fiction that delves into the wounds of lost love.
The author's wife supported the publication, showcasing the story.
The setting is Trivandrum in the 1950s.
- Who
- The author, N Mohanan, and the woman who influenced his life.
- What
- A novel exploring love, memory, and an unfulfilled relationship.
- When
- The novel is set in the 1950s and present day.
- Where
- Trivandrum, India.
- Why
- The author was inspired to write after being asked to write about the most influential woman in his life.
- Author
- N Mohanan
- Translator
- A.J. Thomas
- Original Title
- Orikkal
- Publication Year (Malayalam)
- 1999
- Setting
- Trivandrum, 1950s
- Themes
- Love, memory, loss