In 1933 at Parambil, ten-year-old Philipose, unable to master water, embraces the land. He roams on foot, studies soils, and concocts a shimmering “Parambil Copper River” ink from laterite filtrate, crushed beetle shell, gooseberries, and copper steeped in his urine. Walking brings him friendships, including Sultan Pattar, famed jalebi maker.

One day a brakeless bicycle spills its white-haired rider, Koshy Saar, who reeks of alcohol and speaks fluent English. Impressed by Philipose’s ink, Koshy summons him to his ramshackle, book-lined home and insists they converse only in English. He loans Philipose Moby-Dick and a dictionary, assigning pages and vocabulary in exchange for a steady supply of ink.

At home, Big Ammachi is wary yet proud as Philipose translates the tale for the household. They laugh and argue over its provocations, while Odat Kochamma gossips about Koshy’s past and needles at caste. When Big Ammachi questions whether the book is a lie, Koshy replies that fiction is the “great lie that tells the truth.” As the monsoon breaks, the family reaches the Pequod’s sinking; they mourn Queequeg and Ishmael’s survival, and Big Ammachi reflects tenderly on Shamuel and how caste labels diminish good men.

After they finish the novel, Philipose reveals Koshy’s atheism, fearing his mother’s disapproval. Big Ammachi, moved by the nourishment this mentorship brings, accepts it, and Philipose returns with a new assignment: Great Expectations, heralding another year defined by a book.