Translated from the Tamil, Seasons of the Palm tells the story of an "untouchable" lad in bondage to a paternal yet powerful landlord. He struggles to keep a fragile happiness, but endless work and a stubborn hunger are never too far away. Relentless in its portrayal of the everyday humiliations of untouchablility, the novel is yet lyrical in its evocation of the grace with which the oppressed come to terms with their dark fate.