1708th BLOG POST -->>
It has been a long time since I
have read a mythological fiction and I miss those days when I used to receive
the books in the same genre just after Amish’s Shiva trilogy garnered
indefinite success. Now people have moved to other topics again and whichever
book comes out under this genre tastes like a half-baked cake. I picked up a
book whose cover page attracted me towards it on this Sunday and finished the
book by today within a day. The book is “Ashwatthama’s Redemption: The Rise Of
Dandak” written by the debutante author, Gunjan Porwal. I must say that I haven’t
read more captivating and emotionally-submerging book this year.
Let’s start with the subject on
which the book has been written. It is more about what happened after the epic
war of Mahabharata and it discusses the character of Ashwatthama briefly and
tells every detail about his past and involvement in the mentioned war. He is
already living in guilt of doing some bad karma during the war time but now
there is a new challenge thrown upon him where he must fight the super-devils
with extra power. He comes to know about a bow which if he gets, he would be
able to defeat these super-powers and there starts the whole foundation and
basis of this book.
The first half is very superb
where the characters and their background is introduced. Each and every
character is so nicely described that you can relate with them immediately. All
the kings discussed in the book, majorly, Rana and Vikram, are very nicely
handled throughout the book keeping their dignity in dialogues and conversation
intact. Their chemistry with our protagonist is also very beautifully handled.
The love angle between Urmila and Rana is also respectfully portrayed. The
second half is more about the actions involved and has many such sections where
you must play with your imaginations and relive every moment discussed in the
story. The anti-climax and climax are beautifully closed out which also gives
hope of the sequel and I must say which I very rarely feel, that I am wanting
to read the 2nd part as soon as possible.
The mythological and fictional
mixture is very perfectly handled by the author which does not insult one of
our epic books, Mahabharata. Author has discussed Mahabharata in various parts
as a conversation and through it, also tried to explain many spiritual and
human concepts like karma, life, death, guilt, ego, mind games etc. Every
instance of Lord Krishna is worth reading and re-reading in this book. Even the
mention of Ramayana comes in between which is also interesting to read and how
the karma of people in both the stories are connected due to being Avataras of
the same God is an intriguing read altogether. Best part for which I would
remember this book is whenever the Mahabharata is dictated in a conversation to
any of the characters.
Talking about the drawbacks, I
just felt that there was certain characteristics of each character being
discussed initially but author could not do justice to everything that he
mentioned about them. Except this, I believe this book is a must read for sure.
I give it 4.5* out of 5. Recommended like anything.
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA!!!
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