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A review by mahiee
Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta by Amish Tripathi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Amish's "Raavan" offers a middle-paced yet engaging plot, often hindered by the repetitive revisiting of scenes across the trilogy, providing minimal fresh insights which was a waste of potential. The author's commendable research unveils Raavan as a nuanced figure, challenging northern stereotypes and portraying his greatness which is the narrative in South India despite his grey character.
While the sudden decline of Lanka after the Mithila incident seems abrupt, the book's length could be streamlined to allow for more inventive plot points. Despite minor quibbles, Amish captivates with the exploration of Raavan's psyche, commencing with a chilling depiction of torture and a young Raavan displaying psychopathic tendencies. The abrupt maturity of the protagonist adds depth, and the portrayal of sibling bonds resonates.
The political and commercial intricacies of the era prove fascinating, albeit occasionally drawn out. Raavan's intrusive thoughts, strangely relatable, add a unique layer to the narrative. The poetic foreshadowing of Raavan's treatment of Sita and the near-GOT Joffrey moment provide compelling dimensions. On the other side, Sita's identity was a poorly kept secret, made after a conspicuous build-up. Her identity was evident within the first 100 pages, rendering the eventual disclosure feel unnecessarily drawn out and spoon-fed.
In summary, Amish's "Raavan" is a multifaceted exploration of a complex character within a meticulously researched historical context, occasionally marred by unnecessary length and poorly executed revelations.
While the sudden decline of Lanka after the Mithila incident seems abrupt, the book's length could be streamlined to allow for more inventive plot points. Despite minor quibbles, Amish captivates with the exploration of Raavan's psyche, commencing with a chilling depiction of torture and a young Raavan displaying psychopathic tendencies. The abrupt maturity of the protagonist adds depth, and the portrayal of sibling bonds resonates.
The political and commercial intricacies of the era prove fascinating, albeit occasionally drawn out. Raavan's intrusive thoughts, strangely relatable, add a unique layer to the narrative. The poetic foreshadowing of Raavan's treatment of Sita and the near-GOT Joffrey moment provide compelling dimensions. On the other side, Sita's identity was a poorly kept secret, made after a conspicuous build-up. Her identity was evident within the first 100 pages, rendering the eventual disclosure feel unnecessarily drawn out and spoon-fed.
In summary, Amish's "Raavan" is a multifaceted exploration of a complex character within a meticulously researched historical context, occasionally marred by unnecessary length and poorly executed revelations.