A review by rashmig
Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta by Amish Tripathi
4.0
Another good book from Amish in this mytho-fictional genre. Story hits at right places, and maintains your curiosity almost(yes almost, and with next sentence you know why) till the end. Must say, that the surprise element/cliffhanger in this, we see it coming from way-way before.
Most people who follow ways of Sanatan Dharma know that we don't have right/wrong, black/white philosophy. And that's why on one hand we burn Raavan, but on other hand we praise him for his knowledge of scriptures and vedas. We praise him for his music and creation of mantras. And the book exactly shows us that. Raavan explains how person gets shaped up in different crisis, validates the cliche 'What you choose frames you'.
And may I also talk about Kumbhakarna's reimagined character, I was pleasantly amused how well the imagination for this character is redefined than what we used to know. A doting, selfless brother, kinda like Karna from Mahabharat, who knows Raavan's ways are doomed, however, still never leaves the side and tries to save him.
As usual with Amish's novels, you must ready yourself with few pages of philosophical discussion - Dharma/Adharma, Societal ways vs individual. Remember in Ram there was a mention of Nirbhaya like rape of Manthara's daughter, current cultural mention in Sita was 'Vyomkesh' jibe, similarly in Ravan, we get to see another current discussion on Sabrimala and woman issue (it's yet another interesting perspective). That's what I like about Amish's writing, he giving his unapologetic views through characters, take it or leave it.
This book must be a treasure to add in your library or kindle. :)
Most people who follow ways of Sanatan Dharma know that we don't have right/wrong, black/white philosophy. And that's why on one hand we burn Raavan, but on other hand we praise him for his knowledge of scriptures and vedas. We praise him for his music and creation of mantras. And the book exactly shows us that. Raavan explains how person gets shaped up in different crisis, validates the cliche 'What you choose frames you'.
And may I also talk about Kumbhakarna's reimagined character, I was pleasantly amused how well the imagination for this character is redefined than what we used to know. A doting, selfless brother, kinda like Karna from Mahabharat, who knows Raavan's ways are doomed, however, still never leaves the side and tries to save him.
As usual with Amish's novels, you must ready yourself with few pages of philosophical discussion - Dharma/Adharma, Societal ways vs individual. Remember in Ram there was a mention of Nirbhaya like rape of Manthara's daughter, current cultural mention in Sita was 'Vyomkesh' jibe, similarly in Ravan, we get to see another current discussion on Sabrimala and woman issue (it's yet another interesting perspective). That's what I like about Amish's writing, he giving his unapologetic views through characters, take it or leave it.
This book must be a treasure to add in your library or kindle. :)