The Better Man by Anita Nair

The story follows Mukundan, a middle-aged bachelor who is forced to return to his native village of Kaikurussi after his retirement from government service. He is unhappy and views his life as a failure. He is haunted by the ghosts of his past, including the death of his mother and his estrangement from his father.

In Kaikurussi, Mukundan meets One-screw-loose Bhasi, a local eccentric, a housepainter and an inventor of an odd system of alternative medicine. Bhasi helps Mukundan to transform himself, both physically and mentally. He helps Mukundan to come to terms with his past and to find a new purpose in life.

The novel explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the power of love. It is a story about the importance of finding one’s true self and living a life that is true to oneself.