Attempting a
partially fictionalized account of the greatest saga of our country is indeed a
brave thing. And to come out of it with flying colors is even greater an
achievement. Debutant author
Aditya Iyengar joins the list of the authors who
have tried re-telling the Mahabharata from different angles. Does he succeed in
creating an engaging book?
PLOT
No one is
unfamiliar with the plot of the Mahabharata; and yet Aditya’s unique narrative
makes this book a lovely read.
The story
unfolds on the tenth day of the war in Kurukshetra, leading to the events that
ultimately led to the death of Abhimanyu. The entire plot is narrated from the
point of view of three key characters – Radheya/Karna, Yudhishthira and
Abhimnyu.
Out of the
mammoth Mahabharata war, Aditya chooses to focus only on these 4 days that
defined so many things and people.
POSITIVES
The
simplicity in the language is one big plus point of this book. At times a bit
more casual, Aditya’s style of writing is simple, appealing and caters to all
audiences.
A lot of
research has gone behind this book, and it definitely shows. An in-depth
information about combats, formations, different war weapons and instruments
has been provided. This is one aspect relatively unexplored previously.
Secondly,
the characterizations are superb. The way Aditya develops each character, makes
us feel as we know them personally. All three – Yudhishthira, Karna and
Abhimanyu are characterized brilliantly.
Yudhishthira’s
character is lovely. I loved how he is shown to be vulnerable, unsure, and
insecure. He is the most humane character in the plot.
Our heart
goes out for Abhimanyu’s character. However, my personal favorite was Karna’s
character.
It is also a
relief to see few of the central characters take a backseat – including Krishna,
Draupadi, etc. Draupadi’s take on Mahabharata has already been described in the
novel “The palace of illusions”.
Also, what
attracts our attention is also how Aditya develops the other characters. There is
Krishna’s son (Pradyumna), Suyodhana’s son (Laxman). Also, Shikhandi’s
characterization is very well done. Arjuna and Bhima are depicted aptly too.
NEGATIVES
Aditya’s
style of writing might not appeal to few hardcore Mahabharata fans. Despite the
painstaking detailing, there are instances when we feel few superficial moments
in the writing department.
Also, this
book is a strict no no for those who don’t find the Mahabharata interesting. Those
guys can very well give it a miss.
OVERALL, Aditya’s narration of the events from
Bhishma’s death to Abhimanyu’s death is a must read for all those who love
Mahabharata. I mean, is there anyone who doesn’t love it?
A fresh,
different and well written novel, I would definitely recommend this one to all
mythology lovers!
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