Title: Ramayana: The Game of Life: Rise of the Sun Prince (Book 1)
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
ISBN: 978-81-8495-530-9
Number of Pages: 252
Price: 250 [INR]
Genre: Mythology
The Blurb:
Epics like Ramayana have been re counter infinite times. Is there a need for another chronicle in the presence of so many? How is this one different? And is it relevant to our ever-changing modern lives? Yes, there is a need; yes, this is different; and yes, it is most relevant!
Review:
Ramayana: The Game of Life (Book 1), is a book skilfully retold for modern audiences from one of the world’s great literary masterpieces- the Ramayana. The Rise of the Sun Prince is the first part (Bala Kanda) of the Indian scripture as written by the sage Valmiki. It takes you through the divine story of Lord Rama from his birth and up to his marriage. When I took the book in hand, I thought Rama would be the real protagonist. But, you are in for a surprise as the real protagonist of this book is Vishwamitra and then Dasaratha.
I was already familiar with the basic plot of Ramayana, having heard the stories as bed time tales during my childhood. But little did I know that I knew only the main incidents or happenings that plays a big part in the epic. Why did the incident occur at the first place? Was there any viable reason behind it? And giving us an insight on the incident is what the author has done in the book. Consider for example, I never knew why Mantara hated Rama to plan him on sending for exile for 14 years. It was because of a simple small prank that Rama played in his childhood that made her hate him for more than two decades and send him for exile later.
There are many such exciting portions to read in the book – like how it becomes Valmiki’s responsibility to write the epic Ramayana, or the story of Ahalya turning into a stone, on how the Monkeys play a crucial role in Ravana’s death, the formation of Lanka, etc.
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. And the Laws of Progressive Living is one such chapter that helps in relating the story with our own lives.
I liked the simplicity of the book and it definitely is a must-read. It is not just another Ramayana story and the readers will not be disappointed with the content. It makes an interesting read to all, despite of their age. Jaico Publishers has come out with an attractive eye-catching cover page which prepares you to the adventures awaiting inside.
Thanks to Blogadda and Shubha Vilas for giving an opportunity to review the book.
I can give 4 stars out of 5
This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!
I somehow don’t find interest in mythology..But I should read some at-least I think…nice review though 🙂
Thanks, Naba!
The Ramayana is my favourite epic and Lord Rama my favourite hero. Will definitely have to read this if only to find out why Mantara hated Rama, Can’t imagine him playing a prank though. Very nicely written review. Good going Shalini.
Thanks Suzy! My first book review! Glad you liked 🙂
I too didn’t know that there was a prank!! I should read it.
🙂 Sure Raj 🙂
That’s the beauty of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, they can be retold so many times, differently for each age and time. One of my favourite retellings of Ramayana is a 2-volume Hindi novel called Abhyuday, which is a very ‘rational’ account of the epic and different stories. But as I learned when reading that, there are many new ‘motives’ and sub-stories/sub-texts that the new author also inserts based on his/her sensibilities and the audience that he/she has in mind. All of these may not be part of the original Valmiki-Ramayana. A good review, Shalini!
Thanks, Beloo 🙂
Sounds like a great book and cool that you could get an insight into those stories of your childhood. I love when I can delve even deeper into the characters and events of the books I love.
Thanks, Kathy!
I enjoyed reading this book too. Liked the sutras shared and the small little details that I was not aware of in this epic story!
🙂
Nice review :). Not been able to complete my copy till now. Guess, the first day of the extended weekend is going to be spent doing just that ;).
🙂 haha…
I really enjoyed this book. Shubh Vilas has taken Bhagwad Gita classes for us (Mumbai , Girgaum batch) in year 2014. He is a fantastic orator.
Infact, I will be attending his book 2 launch on 29 Jan in Mumbai. Hoping to enjoy that as well.