How the Cobra Got His Spectacles by Stephen Alter (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

2123rd BLOG POST

28^th Book of 2024

In India, we have multiple legends for any of the cultural aspect, festival, events etc. The positive thing about it is that we never debate or discuss about it but optimistically accept it considering it to be truth. Based on this concept, Stephen Alter has written this amazing short story named “How the Cobra got his Spectacles” which has been published by Aleph.

 

This 30-pages book discusses the Indian cobra’s regal hood which has a mark shaped like a pair of round spectacles. Author gets deeply into this concept and tries to creates a legend around it with a story that has a great message to it. First of all, the book starts with a introduction explaining about the breed and its special mark keeping it non-fiction. Then author dives down into the story and creates a wonderful tale about the relationship of an old hermit and a young naga.

 

Stephen has very intelligently helped us understand the complete characteristic of snakes. Unlike another book, A Little Lost Elephant, which has many animals mentioned but none explained in details, this book covers snake extensively and helps the readers connect with its personality. Even when the character of monkey enters the story, the nastiness of the animal is nicely displayed through its act of stealing the spectacles.

 

The whole flashback story/dream of the king etc. is nicely narrated which makes us believe it to be a reality. The ending is phenomenal which makes the readers learn that one who does good shall always be blessed by others and elders. Similarly, your good deed shall always be remembered for ages. Overall, the book has been nicely conceptualized and story has been told in a very realistic manner. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

 PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

Thanks!

Writing Buddha