The characters of this novella would be familiar to most readers. Hanging between modernity and tradition, they run to and fro between love, work, studies, desire, marriage. They are moved by relationships, but lack the means to express it. As Ashokamitran presents this family from 70s Chennai, we become invested in their problems and emotions. In his inimitable style, he presents the everyday portraits of the family making us feel anxious, melancholic and helpless. 'Manal' (Sand) as the name suggests doesn't reveal answers to our questions about life, but invites us to find the answers buried in it.