This book and the next book in the series (Armies of Hanuman)
have been with me for over 4 years now. I don’t know what took me so long to
read this one especially when I totally loved reading the first two books of the series. I get lesser time to read these days and after not reading a single
page for days at a stretch, I started longing to read something. That’s when I
decided to read the books that have been sitting on my shelf untouched for
long.
Ashok Banker has weaved magic through his books on mythology.
In his Ramayana series, he has taken the liberty to use his own imagination and
innovative story telling in narrating the epic saga. So, prospective readers
keep in mind that this is not the so-called original version but a somewhat spiced
up version of Ramayana. The author has made the reading experience a lot more
dramatic.
The previous book of this series concluded with Rama using ‘Brahma
Astra’ to annihilate the Asura army that were all set to attack the city of
Mithila. In this book, the story progresses further. Rama and his newly wedded
wife Sita are welcomed in Ayodhya in all pomp and glory. While the citizens are
all jubilant there is something not right in the palace – Asura sorcery is at
play and it will have damning consequences for Rama. The reader is likely to be
transported right into the happening in the streets of Ayodhya as he leafs
through the pages of the book.
The problems of the prince Rama are going to get a new height
– a scheming Manthara has got the lust-laden Keikayi in control and soon Rama
would leave the royal palace and head to live in the forest in exile for 14
years. The beauty of the book is that even though most Indian readers already
have an inkling of what happens in Ramayana, they look forward to see how the
author is going to narrate it. There is so much action happening in the book
that the reader in you would want to set aside all works and continue with
book.
However, this book is not without its share of flaws. There
are parts in the book, where it seems that the author has gone overboard in
describing the details of an incident and there are parts which seems rushed
upon. For example, the demise of Manthara has been written in details but the
passing away of Dasaratha were described in a few lines. Also, at times the
narration in the book faltered. I would have liked it better if the pace of storytelling
did not vary too much.
Another thing that kept me reading the book was to find out
about the demons of the Chitrakut. As it is the title of the book, I was hoping
that they would be central to this book in some way. However, it is only near
the very end of the book does the reader get introduced to these demons. Where
and how – it is something you will know when you read the entire book.
Even though I can go on and on about what await you in the book,
I sincerely think that you should better read it to find out more. Even with all
its flaws, it is a great read and will keep any mythology lover hooked.
I am also finished with the book 4 of the series – Armies of
Hanuman and will write about it soon. So, stay tuned and happy reading.
Thank you for stopping by. Cheers!
