Kerala writer Lissy gets parole for release of her book

wayanad (Kerala) — Lissy, who is out on parole from Thursday till November 19, is all set to release her book Kuttavaliyil ninnu Ezhuthukariyileykku (From Convict to Writer) written in Malayalam, next month.

Lissy is really excited to be out of jail and thanked almighty for giving her the writing skills, she said. “I have studied only till Class 10, but I always had the urge to write and it was not until I met journalist-turned PR professional Subin Mananthavady that my life turned for the best, when he came to interview me in the jail,” Lissy said.

“It was he who inspired me to pen my thoughts down The book that’s coming out is just because he helped me to write,” Lissy said.

Hailing from Kerala’s hilly district of Wayanad, Lissy had to drop out of school despite being a bright student after her father died in 1988.

Lissy’s marriage with her friend also ended soon as he died suddenly. This forced to return to her home town near Sultan Battery near here. Lissy, out on parole from Kannur prison, is undergoing a 25-year jail term for being a drugs carrier. Since July 2010 following her arrest in Kochi for carrying a packet containing drugs, she has been freed on parole for the first time after the Jail Advisory Committee in April this year recommended it.

Lissy claimed that she was carrying the drugs packet without knowing the contents inside and just to earn some money for the treatment of sister, who had suffered burn injuries.

“I am not a habitual offender. People around my village know me and they are giving me all the help and support,” said Lissy.

She said but for her chance meeting with Subin, who first encouraged her to write, she would not have written 14 poems and eight stories which feature in the new book. “All of these will be featured in the book that has been written by Subin. He has done everything, including finding the publisher. Before I return to jail on November 19, I wish it gets released in the capital city,” said Lissy. —