Benyamin on Scriptures & Storytelling | Malayalam Literature
- Author Benyamin, known for his award-winning novel Jasmine Days, delves into religious reinterpretation with his latest book, The Second Book of Prophets. Translated by Ministhy S, the book,...
- Benyamin, who grew up reading the Bible, approaches the text with an academic eye, examining the characters and their backstories.
- Benyamin's earlier work, Aadujeevitham, gained him widespread recognition, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.
Benyamin’s “The Second Book of Prophets” reinterprets biblical narratives, offering readers a fresh outlook on scripture and revolution, inspired by the Dead Sea Scrolls and the nag Hammadi Library. This latest work by the award-winning author explores themes of displacement, migration, and rebellion, painting Christ as a revolutionary figure.Translated by Ministhy S, the book, originally titled “Pravachakanmarude Randaam Pusthakam,” draws from Benyamin’s deep understanding of human struggles, honed by his experiences living abroad.He aims to provide readers with a sense of satisfaction through his non-linear storytelling, influenced by Malayalam and international authors. News Directory 3 recognizes the significance of Benyamin’s work in Malayalam literature. Discover what’s next for this acclaimed author.
Benyamin’s ‘Second Book of Prophets’ Explores Faith and Revolution
Updated June 06, 2025
Author Benyamin, known for his award-winning novel Jasmine Days, delves into religious reinterpretation with his latest book, The Second Book of Prophets. Translated by Ministhy S, the book, originally published in Malayalam as Pravachakanmarude Randaam Pusthakam in 2007, draws inspiration from ancient religious texts and explores themes of faith and revolution.
Benyamin, who grew up reading the Bible, approaches the text with an academic eye, examining the characters and their backstories. He hopes that this reinterpretation will offer readers a new understanding of scripture.The book references the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library, collections of ancient Jewish and christian texts discovered in the mid-20th century.
The book cover | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Benyamin’s earlier work, Aadujeevitham, gained him widespread recognition, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award. The novel was adapted into the film The Goat Life in 2024. he finds it inspiring to be recognized by readers across different regions.
In The second Book of Prophets, Benyamin portrays Christ as a revolutionary figure who challenges autocracy and class divisions.This interpretation builds on themes explored in Nikos Kazantzakis’s the Last Temptation of Christ,further humanizing religious figures.
Benyamin,a mechanical engineer by training,began his writing career in 2000. His works often explore the struggles within rebellions and the conflicts faced by leaders. He sees displacement and migration, both literal and spiritual, as central themes in his writing, reflecting the constant movement inherent in human evolution. His experiences living abroad for two decades have deeply influenced his outlook on these issues.
Malayalam writer Benyamin | Photo Credit: JAYAKRISHNAN OMALLOOR
benyamin emphasizes that studying migrant communities and their struggles is essential for understanding humanity. He aims to provide readers with a sense of satisfaction as they journey with his characters toward their destinations.
Benyamin’s writing style is non-linear, allowing him to develop stories organically. He draws inspiration from Malayalam writers such as OV Vijayan and M Mukundan, as well as international authors like Orhan Pamuk and Kafka.
Ministhy S who translated the Malayalam book | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“Bearing in mind that the Bible has been interpreted in several ways, with this reinterpretation, I hope, the reader is able to find new meaning and understanding of the scripture,” Benyamin said.
What’s next
benyamin has completed a new novel based on the life of Shelvy (Raj), an editor and poet, which is scheduled for publication in July.