The novel ‘Asthinapuram contextualizes the social history of the
coastal people in the background of, on-shore shipping trade. The
range of the narration is broad and extensive – from Semmankuppam
– a fishing hamlet to the leading port cities of India like Mumbai,
Chennai, Vizakhapatnam and Tuticorin; from the intricacies of fishing
as a profession and the practices of a community to the complicated
shipping problems of a commercial port. The story revolves around the
protagonist Amudan, a fisherman by birth. Thwarted by his unprincipled
supervisor, the young aspiring researcher quits research and steps into
the world of shipping. His personal life being made equally traumatic
by his first wife, Amudan settles with the simple and understanding
Anandi. In an atmosphere of constant struggle, the research bent of
mind survives the adventures in the personal and professional (if
one may call so) life. The book, delves into the serious business of
Ship Agency, Clearing and Forwarding, Stevedoring, Container trade
and Transportation, and the diplomatic relationship with the corrupt
officers of both port and customs. The author unfolds a world, which
hitherto has not been explored in Tamil novels and perhaps in India.