Prema, daughter of a former policeman who tortured Naxalites during the Emergency is attracted to Yudas, nicknamed Crocodile Yudas. He earned his nickname because of his vocation – recovering dead bodies from the river. Yudas has secrets of his own that weigh him down from leading a normal life. Like his namesake,he is eaten away by theguilt of betraying his comrades when the was caught and brutally assaulted by the police force. Prema tries to free him from the burden of guilt that he carries and in doing so attempts to find for herself what freedom is.

Writing : This novella is a fast read(150 pages) so it is not very descriptive in nature. However in few sentences Meera brings alive the toture and guilt that plague both parties (the ex-Naxalites and the police force) post the Naxalite movement.

Translation : The translation does not disappoint. There are occasional places where a person well versed in Malayalam will be able to grasp the meaning but not someone who does not know the language.

I would recommend this emotional love story. 4/5 stars. You can read a more detailed review here - http://www.thebooksatchel.com/gospel-yudas-k-r-meera-love-allegiance-political-turmoil/


Disclaimer : Much thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own