Author: Anuja Chandramouli
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing
Do you like reading mythological stories from different perspectives?
Abhimanyu, beloved son of Arjuna is one of the most endearing figures of
Indian mythology. The Golden Prince, blazed across the realm of myth like an
effervescent comet that lit up the heavens, yet was extinguished far too soon.
In the killing field that was Kurukshetra, where countless evil deeds were
perpetrated in the name of righteousness, Abhimanyu was a shining beacon of valor.
All are aware of the legend but how many can claim to really know the young
man, who was the best among the best? Narrated with deep intensity, Abhimanyu’s
saga unfolds, shedding light on unexplored aspects of his remarkable life and
extraordinary persona. The story casts a spell over the reader, who is left to
agonize over the tragic fate of one of the most luminous heroes of the ancient
Indian epic – the Mahabharata.
Mythological fiction is one category that I am always keen to read,
specially because while one is aware of the general story and the ending, the
way the story is told is unique to all storytellers. Anuja turns the lens on
the Great War through the eyes of Abhimanyu. Beginning with the birth of
Abhimanyu, the book traces his life as he journeys through it. I liked how
Anuja uses various examples to set up his characters and we see how he learns
various lessons of life. I liked how the idea of Abhimanyu missing a vital
piece of information keeps cropping up more times than one, and yet it is
pushed down by the events of the time. Another thing that I loved about the
book was how she highlights his bravery and skills, and we are shown this even
before the Great War. The storytelling is powerful and as you read through the
story, you start relating with Abhimanyu and as the book ends, you are
genuinely pained, and that is the feeling that I liked the most about it. The
book is extremely well researched, and the epilogue is something I actually was
surprised by. While the end is known to most of the people, the way she crafts
and presented is something else. The scene with the vyuha is emotionally
charged, and the way he holds himself, challenging the best of the times, inspires
you, gives you power.
Coming to the characters, I was amazed by a few new characters I encountered
in this book such as Lakshmana. Anuja’s characters have always been powerful,
and while our hero is the centerpiece of the story, I was amazed by Subhadra
and the manner in which she conducts herself. I was profoundly intrigued by her
monologue that forms a critical part of the story, at the time when everything
changed for the Pandavas. Another interesting aspect was the idea of relationships
she propagates through her characters. Vrishasena-Abhimanyu’s story was
heartwarming, and the moment between Duryodhan and Abhimanyu was another that
made this story stand apart.
Overall, I loved reading Anuja’s take on Abhimanyu and his perspective on the Mahabharata, and the story of this brave soul deserves to be read. The book scores a 4.56/5 for me.
I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Get your copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore.
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