Ram--Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi

To do justice to the story of the majestic and magnanimous Lord Ram is no easy task. He was god in human form. Amish's writing recreates Lord Ram's life through fairly good narration and vivid descriptions. I picked the book up with the thought that it would be a true retelling of the Ramayana by Guru Valmiki. I'm afraid that's not the case. Amish has taken liberty with the story with his own ideas (the book includes a disclaimer). Despite the disclaimer, the fact that someone has taken liberty with history (or mythology for some) has left me disappointed. I have an objection to books where any character (mythological or real) are distorted in the name of creativity. I vociferously urge people to write only the truth. Write is similar to the Sanskrit word Rith which means the truth. I believe that it indicates that writers be encouraged to write the truth and nothing but the truth. Although, I must confess that I loved reading Amish's work. The simple yet sumptuous narration makes the reading experience a nice one.

The story begins with Lord Ram, Seetha (wife of Lord Ram) and Laxman's life in the forest during exile. Amish then takes the reader to the birth of Lord Ram--thirty years back and the battle of Karachappa (between Dashrath (father of Ram) and Raavana (the King of Lanka). The story weaves the life of the royals, warriors, merchants and common men into an elegant braid of the kingdom. Poverty stricken land and the loss of warriors evokes a sense of dismay at the state of the Kingdom. The author portrays the grandeur and divinity of the land (Ayodhya) before it's destruction by Raavana. Ram was born to forge the people of his Kingdom to an improved social order, he narrates.

As the book progresses, Rama grows in the Gurukul system along with his brothers. One portion that would remain in my mind forever and is deep is Guru Vasishta's discussion on discerning the rectitudinous path. The discussion revolves around whether silence is wrong and amounts to lying? Guru Vasishta argues that it doesn't, if it's for greater good. Another portion about Roshni and the nefarious crime against her suffuses any reader with rage as much--or even more--than the raging river Sarayu.

As we progress, we encounter facts about the fight between the devas and the asuras. The story of ekatvam (unity of mankind) is interesting and a portion to not miss. Thereafter, comes bride Sita's swayamvara to choose her groom. Love first strikes the heart of Rama and it appears that the whole universe conspired to bring them together. From here on, the story gets very engrossing and becomes absolutely unputdownable. A good read that will leave the readers intrigued by the mysticism and elated by the sheer beauty of the legend.

Goodreads link

Comments

My Year in books 2023--memorable journey

I managed to read 18 books in 2023. Overall, it was an enthralling and magical experience. I almost lived with the characters in these books and in the places narrated. I read regularly back in school. Over the past few years, my interests were varied. I spent most of my time working. Health, wellness and music occupied most of my free-time. It was in 2022 that I began reading again. Being environed by readers, I picked up Sooley. I read a bit and moved to complete my lifetime favourite "The Class" by Erich Segal. It was the right book at the right time. It inspired hope and strength in me when I needed it the most. Ever since, there has been no looking back. I picked up one book after another. My schedule didn't permit me to read more than 18 books. But, I must say that I enjoyed each of the books. Hope to make more time for books in the coming year. A few words on the ones that I read in 2023 1. John Grisham's Sooley Heart touching 2. Bill Bryson's...

5 classy things to do if you can't afford travel

Traveling around the world is almost everyone's dream. The knowledge that we absorb during our travel journeys stick with us for a lifetime. Most of our yearning for travel is palpable and relatable. But not all of us can afford those expensive vacations. Some of us simply don't have the time to travel often. We can obtain similar soul satisfying experiences from a few other endeavours when travel isn't on our cards. Here I list 7 classy things to do when you can't afford travel. 1. Reading books📚, travel books, magazines and everything you love to devour : I fondly recollect hearing from one of my inspirations, "When we can't travel, we read". Books are a great way to escape into another world. The joy of swimming through a good book is something only book lovers can vouch for. Travel books proffer an experience that is very close to getting transported to another world. In fact, it's much better than watching travel shows, although you can combine ...

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice: Unputdownable

At the very beginning, the book transports us to Hertfordshire. The rapture in the Bennet household in Hertfordshire ensnares the readers. This is what makes the novel one of the best classics. The novel is about the Bennet family and Mrs Bennet’s sole aim to get her daughters settled in marriage with wealthy families. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have five daughters, all good-looking and endearing. Not having a male heir means the property will fall into the hands of a distant male heir. Unfortunately, this leaves the future of the five daughters to fate. The arrival of the wealthy and charming Mr. Bingley into the neighbourhood pulls up the hopes of Mrs. Bennet as she perceives him to be the perfect match for one of her daughters. Their acquaintance blossoms over time and Mr. Bingley develops fondness for one of the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Their conversations are interesting and piquant. As Mr. Bingley exits Hertfordshire briefly, the joyful environment transmutes ...

Booksfoodmylife

Search This Blog