Mid year book reviews
As we come closer to finishing half a year, I am reviewing books. Frankly, that’s how I remember time- through the book I was reading during that time!! This year started with a quest to regain focus and concentration. What better way to do that than a book that makes it impossible for one to get distracted. So, it is all fiction this time. All engaging, thrilling, fantastical storylines. The kind that help you take a break from the hyper-stimulating, attention-span-reducing world.
So, here it is:
- Amish Tripathi’s Ramchandra Series: Mythological fiction has been my favorite genre since I started reading Dan Brown while still in school. The Ramayana is one epic that even originally has more than 300 versions. Amish Tripathi blends his comprehensive research to create an engaging storyline. The final book of the series is yet to come out. Each of these three; trace the lives of the main characters:
Ram: The writer delves into the psyche of a character. This is someone who believes that following a stringent set of rules, is the best way forward for a society that has lost its path. The book traces the trials and tribulations of life for Ram- the scion of Ikshvaku. A lot of the dialog is philosophical, weighing in on the myriad aspects of any situation. Revealing and hiding in the right proportions, the book is definitely a page turner.
Sita: This is the most unique representation of the character that I have come across so far. Here, Sita is a fierce warrior, an able prime minister, the chosen one to lead the way. This is an extremely refreshing take. This unexplored story of Sita is interspersed with so many well known stories that it leaves its readers in awe.
Raavan: Personally, I found this one to be the most intriguing. The writer tries to balance the pre-set image of this character against his circumstantial villainy. The book drags on a little bit in the middle and tries to hinge everything about the character on one major event. That was a bit of a let down for me.
Overall, the series is a new take on a well known classic. It does not deviate much from the original plot. The difference is in the exploration of individual characters. The life of each is reimagined in isolation. Eagerly waiting for the last book of the series, slated to release this year.
If you are a mythological fiction fan like me, I will recommend Anand Neelkantan’s Asura, Ajaya and the Rise of Kali. For me, those books were the most unique takes on the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
2. The Vault of Vishnu: Written in the classic Ashwin Sanghi style, the accounts of the Chinese traveller, Hieun Tsang’s run parallel to a modern day mystery. The secret potions discovered by ancient Indians are a bone of contention in modern day geopolitics. Myth, thrill, drama, suspense, do you need anything more? Some pages will definitely spark your interest enough to do some research on your own. That is powerful writing- the one that makes you want to believe.
3. Keepers of Kalachakra: Extremely well researched and sure to draw attention. However, for me, personally, it felt as if the research took over the plot. There is not much happening in the actual story. The reader will be amazed at the detailed, yet simple, explanation of concepts from quantum physics. Ashwin Sanghi points out the parallels in quantum physics and the ancient Indian texts. Quantum twins is a baffling idea that has been explored in an enthralling way by the writer. It is definitely a good read, especially if you (like me) have ever been fascinated by quantum entanglement.
4. The Midnight Library: The fact that I read this one right after Keepers of Kalchakra, messed with my head a little. Both books allude to concepts from quantum physics. Both books weave a fantastical tale. This book is definitely recommended for anyone trying to understand mental health. The book explores themes like regret, despair, fame, wealth and happiness. The writer manages to make the readers feel uncomfortable and liberated at the same time. Though not exactly a ‘spiritual’ book, it does attempt to answer the existential questions. It forces the readers to explore and imagine. It leaves them feeling stunned and grateful. The brilliant writing makes it impossible to put this one down. I will be really disappointed if this isn’t made into a movie- just so that it reaches more people.
All of these books are an excellent ride away from the always-on digital world we live in. By the sheer power of amazing storytelling, they can help their readers regain some balance.
In the words of Matt Haig, “As long as there is a book, there is a possibility.”
