This will be the first time I’ll
be structuring my feedback of a book around the most apparent observation which
remained unchanged from its start to finish page. This observation can be
easily summarized in just two words - ‘Identifiable Mythology’.
There have been way too many an
adaptations, narrations, translations and evolutions of this great scripture in
the past. What makes this book by author, Shubha Vilas, worth of spending your
free time and money is the way it makes the epic scripture relatable in today’s
time. This combined with the fact that narration remains accurate to the
original composition, will keep an impatient and busy reader like me hooked to
the book.
Whether it’s the introspection of
character of Ravana, or the beautiful humanization of the dilemma and
insecurity of king Dashratha, the book has it all. Like most of us, I have
known Ramayana through the earlier text books and the Ramanand Sagar’s epic
serial. This makes the knowledge imparted through this book all the more
valuable. At least now I know the names of the all the characters of this epic
drama. Tone of the book effortlessly shifts between humorous, thrilling and
intriguing throughout. The way characters of Ravana, Dashratha and Rama have
been portrayed gives the glimpse of promise on part of Shubha Vilas.
Another feature of this book
which differentiates it from other Ramayana narrations is the way learnings
from different key incidents are presented in it. Author has made clever use of
footers in this book. These footers have given an extra space or parallel track
to author where he has been able to project his perception or thoughts without
actually breaking the flow of the story. This feature makes one reminiscent of
the way an elder or Panditji would have read out the chaupayi (verses) in
original scripture and explained its meaning or learning associated with it
with day to day life examples.
This book opens with internal
turmoil being faced by king Dashratha before arriving on the decision of
coronation of Rama as new king. On one hand he wants Rama to take on the
responsibilities of kingdom and is worried whether people will accept his
decision during consensus. But when things turn out in his accordance, instead
of being relieved or happy, he becomes insecure to the extent that he starts
doubting his competency as a ruler. Similarly when queen Kekayi falls prey to
Manthara’s persuasion, every range of human emotion is beautifully depicted by the
author.
Now coming to the flaws, there
are grammatical mistakes, related to tenses and sentence structuring in the
book at some places which easily stand out in this otherwise flawless
narration. Call me crazy, but I found
myself re-reading the same sentence again with correct grammar to see the
impact it creates. I am sure many of the readers will do the same. At some
places, I also felt the need for a crispier packaging though the story made up
for it.
All in all, I got a pleasant
familiar feeling of well spent time after completing this book and I would
recommend others to take it up.
