Malayalam literature has its roots in the 10th century, with the earliest known works being the poems of the poet-scholar, Nammalvar. However, it was during the 19th century that Malayalam literature began to flourish, with the emergence of writers like O. Chandu Menon, who is considered the father of modern Malayalam literature. The early 20th century saw the rise of romantic fiction, which became a staple of Malayalam literature.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking love story in Malayalam literature, Balyakalasakhi (The Childhood Companion) is the gold standard of . The tale of Majid and Suhra is simple: boy loves girl, poverty separates them, and tragedy ensues. Basheer’s genius lies in his minimalist prose that hits the reader like a wave of emotion. If you read only one Malayalam story in your life, let it be this.

These authors have made significant contributions to Malayalam literature, exploring a wide range of themes and genres.

The genre's birth is closely tied to the emergence of the Malayalam novel itself. Early works often blended romance with historical or social narratives.

Some notable Malayalam authors known for their short stories include: