Author: Kevin Missal
Publisher: Simon & Schuster India
What is your take on Karna’s story in the
Mahabharata?
Karna: The King of Anga by Kevin Missal is the story of a
character in the great epic who was wronged at all turns. Born in the arms of
the Ganga, Vasu grew up in the raging province of Anga. His life shaped by a
fate that failed to be just—neglected by his own, stripped of his birthright—he
was raised to be lost in an abyss of desires and disappointment. Cursed by his
guru, hurt by the only woman he loved, ostracized from society for being the
son of a suta. With his only armor—hope—he ventured on an unforgettable
journey. Alone. This is Vasu’s tale of survival, of endurance, of abiding
courage in the face of all adversities. In an ultimate battle against his
archenemy—the insidious, dishonorable, and all-powerful, Jarasandha, for a
title he knew he deserved. From a sutaputr to a leader of the people, this is a
saga of betrayal, lost love, and glory. This is the story of the King of Anga.
The book is an interesting take on Karna's
character and Kevin, in his signature style, takes a fresh perspective than
what we are used to seeing. The storytelling is immersive as well as engaging.
With almost 500+ pages, this is a fitting start to a saga. The thing that stood
out for me in the book is the ease with which it begins and slowly captivates
you with the tale of a character who has been wronged, more than once. The
language is simple and easy to understand. Another interesting aspect of the
book are the detailed explanations as to the actions of the characters, and be
it any of the primary ones, Kevin has taken his time to set them up. The plot
goes into flashbacks at strategic points to reveal the incidents that lead to
the events of the present day. The aspect that I liked was that the focus was
on Karna and the events associated with him, rather than harping about the ones
who are already well-known. The book ends on a strategic note, one that makes
you want to read the next one almost immediately.
The book is focused on Karna and his life,
but equal emphasis is put on the characters which directly impact his life. I
loved how Kevin explores Jarasandha's story to build up an opponent that tests
him to the core, contributing immensely to Karna's story arc. Another character
who I would look forward to is that of Drona and how he shapes up in the story
as it goes further. Using the names of the Kauravas with positive connotation,
Kevin sets the ground that he is not casting aspersions on any character.
Suyodhana-Karna friendship is something that is well-explored and as a key
element of the story, I would commend him in the way he has sketched it.
Overall, this is a wonderful start to a series,
and I would certainly be looking forward to Kevin's interpretation of Karna's
story. The book scores a 4.94/5 for me.
Get your copy of the book on Amazon.
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Thanks for sharing the review about Karna. One of the most important characters of Mahaharata, who is often misunderstood. I am glad that we have fresh perspectives on such important characters. Thank you for the detailed review.
ReplyDeleteHey what a wonderful tLe. I would love to read this book on Karna.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see different versions of the old Mahabharata. How people show different aspects to the same story.
ReplyDeleteYour rating intrigues me to read this book at once.
I think Karna is one of the important characters of Mahabharata. I have read many poetries and book about this character. This book sounds even more interesting and I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteI am always interested to read about fresh takes on Mahabharatha characters. This sounds like an interesting book
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful review made me curious enough to read it. Will order my copy soon.
ReplyDeleteKarna is one of my favourite characters. This book sounds like a must-read.
ReplyDeleteKarna is such an underrated character who deserves as much if not more glory than Arjun. I loved your review.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like must read . I am glad that we have fresh perspectives on such important characters. Thank you for the detailed review
ReplyDeleteThis book had been in my kindle to read list for sometime now. i was putting the off for quite some time. but your review and your rating made me more curious to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get my hands on this one. Karna is my fav character and I my fav book on him so far has been Mrityunjay
ReplyDeleteYour rating tells me this is a must read. Hope to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteLoved your style of reviewing that gave us a sneak peek of what the book holds. I love mythological characters and Karna is one of my fav characters.Added in my TBR.
ReplyDeleteGood diction.
ReplyDeleteRetelling of characters from the Mahabharat has been done to death. But your review has piqued my interest. I will surely check out the book. Thanks for a balanced review.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting read. Your review is perfect. I am getting this book soon.
ReplyDeleteKarna is a important and often misunderstood part of Mahabharat and this story gives a view of what we miss.. thank you for the review
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds interesting. Thanks for the detailed review.
ReplyDeleteAfter Amish Tripathi's success with mythology, a lot of writers has tried to represent mythological stories. Thank for sharing your thoughts on this.
ReplyDeleteThe books are a great read with a dose of motivation. Great review.
ReplyDeleteYes Karna has been the most strong characters in Mahabharata and his story definitely needed a revisiting. Lovely review
ReplyDeleteThere used to be only one Mahabharata. Now every character is being etched out. Karna is one of my favorite characters. Thanks for the review. Will surely check it out and you said its a series. Will keep topping it up.
ReplyDeleteKarn is one of my favorite character in Mahabharat as lot of perspectives can be perceived for him, shall check the book after your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteWow this looks like a great read. I m surely gonna give it a read asap
ReplyDeleteKarna is definitely a strong character of epic Mahabharata. 10 years back I got one book on Karna by Marathi writer Shivaji Sawant. After reading it, my perspective changed drastically for Karna. Thanks for sharing about this book.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a good read. But I doubt it's my type of read. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many perspectives on Karna and I would love to explore this new take
ReplyDeleteThere are so many books written about Mahabharat characters. Authors should explore other mythologies too. I am curious to know what new the author has in this book.
ReplyDeleteNot much has been written on Karn. I am tempted to read this. And I give in to my reading temptations very easily. :)
ReplyDeleteKarna is the most misunderstood character. I love reading about him.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite things about mythology is the wealth of characters and stories and arcs. Karna has been a fascination but he's always in the background. Good to know there's a series exploring his story.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll like this one.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Karna is always a very interesting character..!
ReplyDeleteI always love Karna, I will definitely read this book.
ReplyDeleteManisha - It would be fascinating to read author's take on life of Karna. Will check this book out.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover and the way you reviewed the book.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNicely written review. But, I'm not sure I would read this book.
ReplyDeleteI don't like Karna. The guy who supported sexual assault on a woman— the same woman who rejected him. I can't seem to forgive this fact. Too many Karnas in India.