Title: Ramayana: The Game of Life: Shattered Dreams (Book 2)
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
ISBN: 978-81-8495-531-6
Number of Pages: 387
Price: 350 [INR]
Genre: Mythology
The Blurb:
Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and
motivational series Ramayana-The Game Of Life.Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.
Now, in Shattered Dreams, Shubha Vilas narrates the riveting drama of Rama’s exile.Through tales of Rama’s unwavering and enigmatic persona, the book teaches us how to handle reversals positively; through Bharata’s actions, it teaches us to handle temptation; and through Sita’s courage, to explore beyond our comfort zone.This complicated family drama provides deep insights on how human relationships work and how they fail.
With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas,as well as folk philosophy from the Lokapramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before!
Review:
After reading the first book, Ramayana: The Game of Life – Rise of Sun Prince, I was waiting eagerly for the next book. Thanks to Blogadda that I received this Book 2 for review. Trust me when I say, it totally lived up to my expectations.
In this second book, The story begins with Dasaratha’s nightmare on a restless night and ends with Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leaving towards the Dandakaranya forest. The book takes you through hows and whys of Dasaratha’s decision of sending Rama to exile, Manthara’s scheming, Kaikeyi’s wishes and the agony that follows Rama’s exile. The first part tells you about Dasaratha’s misery over Rama’s exile and the later part focuses on Bharatha’s anguish on the same.
And just as in the first book, the author has given insights on why certain incidents occur at the first place. He has given viable reasons and conclusions behind it. He has given pinpoint detailing and understanding of different characters as Dasaratha, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, Sumitra, Manthara, Lakshmana, Bharatha, Shatrugna, Urmila, Sumanthra, Guha, Anasuya, Vasistha. There are many such exciting portions to read in the book and the highlights include depicting Sita’s spiritual love for Rama, Bharata’s humility towards his brother, Lakshmana’s undying wish and conviction to serve Rama resulting in Urmila’s sacrifice which touches your heart.
There is also a brief introduction about Ravana, whose role is important in the coming book. The description of hell, through Ravana’s visit is scary and bloodcurdling.
There are Life Lessons’ or ‘Sutras’ which are interpretations and are depicted as a footnote on almost every page which helps you understand the story. The Six Anarthas to Conquer, Pause to think, Five management mantras are to be looked out for.
Few lines did catch my attention:
“The decisions to make decisions has to be made in moments of strength not in moment of weakness”
“How long can one go with smiling faces and crying hearts? Either till the smile of the face goes to the heart or the cry of the heart reaches the face”
And the scene between Rama and Sita “…she then wove an imaginary garland around Rama’s neck by moving her beautiful eyes and smiled again”.
The romance of Rama and Sita is very well portrayed. The true meaning of marriage is where the husband and wife desire the same thing.
The language and writing style is enchanting. The book cover is eye-catchy and it is a must-read for all irrespective of age or religion.
Thanks again to Blogadda and Shubha Vilas for giving an opportunity to review the book.
I can give 4 stars out of 5
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itzzzjuzcynthia says
Hey Shalini, have tried to contact you. Sent you a message on Google Hangout. Please check and get back to me. Or do email me on [email protected] so that I can write to you.