Perumal Murugan Books In Order

Publication Order of One Part Woman Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Poetry Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Perumal Murugan

Perumal Murugan is a writer, teacher, and researcher from India who creates his works in Tamil. He has produced a wide range of writing, including novels, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Several of his novels have been translated into English, with one earning recognition on the Kiriyama Prize shortlist in 2005. Before focusing on writing full-time, he taught Tamil at a government college.

His stories stand out because of the way he shapes his characters, making them feel real and interesting. Readers often find his protagonists memorable, adding depth and enjoyment to his books. His storytelling keeps people engaged, with plots that pull them in and hold their attention. Whether writing about people or even animals, like in Poonachi or the Story of a Goat, he makes the narrative compelling.

Murugan’s ability to craft strong, entertaining stories has made his work popular beyond Tamil readers. His books cover different themes, from rural life to social challenges, always told in an absorbing way. With over a dozen novels and numerous other works, his writing remains both accessible and thought-provoking. His background as a scholar also brings a careful, insightful touch to his fiction and nonfiction alike.

His writing connects with readers across the world by telling stories that feel authentic and deeply personal. His writing stays rooted in Tamil culture, yet the emotions and struggles of his characters are universal. People from different backgrounds can relate to his themes—love, loss, societal pressures, and resilience. This balance between local flavor and human truths makes his work resonate globally.

He doesn’t compromise his voice to appeal to a wider audience, yet his storytelling remains inviting. His books, like One Part Woman and Poonachi, explore complex social issues without losing their emotional pull. The honesty in his narratives makes them powerful, whether set in a village or following an animal’s journey. Readers appreciate that his stories feel genuine, not altered for outside expectations.

Even when translated, his writing keeps its original spirit, thanks to strong, natural prose. The way he crafts tension, humor, and heartbreak keeps people turning pages, no matter where they’re from. By staying true to his roots while exploring universal struggles, Murugan builds bridges between cultures. That’s why his books continue to find new readers far beyond India.

Perumal Murugan continues to write with the same passion and insight that have defined his career so far. Given his steady output of novels, short stories, and poetry, readers can expect more thought-provoking works in the years ahead. His ability to blend cultural authenticity with universal themes ensures his stories will remain relevant. There’s no doubt he still has many compelling tales left to tell.

Early and Personal Life

Born on the 15th of October 1966, Perumal Murugan grew up in a farming family in Tamil Nadu, where life revolved around small land holdings and hard work. His father also ran a soda shop in a local cinema theater, exposing young Murugan to different aspects of rural life. Even as a child, he showed a talent for writing, with some of his early children’s songs being broadcast on All India Radio.

His academic journey began with a deep study of Tamil literature, first in Erode and later in Coimbatore. He pursued higher education with an M.Phil. from Madras University, followed by a Ph.D. focusing on the works of author R. Shanmugasundaram. This scholarly background gave him a strong foundation in storytelling and language, shaping his future as a writer.

Over time, Murugan’s writing evolved, drawing inspiration from his rural upbringing and academic insights. His stories reflect both the simplicity of village life and the complexities of human emotions. With each book, he continues to grow as an author, blending personal experiences with universal themes that resonate with readers everywhere.

Writing Career

Perumal Murugan has built a diverse writing career, producing over twelve novels, six short story collections, six poetry volumes, and more than thirteen nonfiction works. His novels, such as Seasons of the Palm and Current Show, have been translated into English, broadening his reach. He also explores personal experiences in his memoir Nizhal Mutrattu Ninaivugal (2013), while editing various fiction and nonfiction anthologies.

Murugan began with short stories in Manavosai magazine (1988–1991), later compiled in Thiruchengodu (1994). His debut novel, Eru Veyyil (1991), tackled land acquisition struggles, followed by Nizhal Mutram (1993), inspired by his father’s soda shop. Later works like One Part Woman and Poonachi blended cultural insights with universal themes, ensuring his continued relevance with further novels, such as Kazhimugam (2020).

Poonachi

Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat was written by Perumal Murugan and translated from Tamil to English by N. Kalyan Raman. The novel was published on February 20, 2018, by Context, an imprint of Westland Publications. This marked another of Murugan’s works to reach global readers through English translation.

An old couple receives a day-old female goat kid unexpectedly, marking the beginning of Poonachi’s life. Her journey—from freedom to domestication, youth to motherhood—mirrors universal struggles of survival, fear, and longing. Murugan’s storytelling highlights themes of difference, resilience, and society’s hierarchies while drawing parallels to human and animal experiences. The novel also subtly reflects on modern societal pressures and the challenges faced by those who resist conformity.

Readers will find Poonachi’s journey unexpectedly profound, blending animal struggles with human truths through Murugan’s masterful storytelling. A small goat’s life becomes a mirror for society.

One Part Woman

One Part Woman was written by Perumal Murugan and translated from Tamil to English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, with an audiobook narration by Deepa Samuel. The novel was published on December 20, 2013, by Penguin Books. This English translation brought Murugan’s work to wider international recognition.

Kali and Ponna struggle with infertility despite their loving marriage, facing constant social pressure. Their last hope rests on a temple festival where consensual unions are temporarily permitted. This single night could resolve their suffering but may also strain their relationship. Murugan’s novel examines marriage, societal expectations, and personal turmoil with unflinching honesty.

Many found One Part Woman’s exploration of love and societal pressures to be both moving and thought-provoking. Murugan crafts a tender yet unflinching portrait of marital struggles.