happiness and food

Mythological tales have been told and retold many times and through various media. Be it the television, radio, music or books, we get to hear about stories from the past from all around. Not having read part 1, Rise of the Sun Prince, I had a neutral standpoint to the book with no expectations. This book is not a 7- day read and is one of those books that you can re read and learn something new in each attempt.

Plot and Positives: Through this book Shubha Vilas has narrated the events that lead to Rama’s exile. The book begins with Dasaratha having a nightmare which seems to have no real origin. The king decides to crown Rama as the king of Ayodhya and lead a relaxed life. With this unfolds a riveting drama of event that eventually result in an exile of 14 years for Rama. Lakshman and Sita willingly join him during this part of his life to create many more stories.

Almost all of us know the story of Ramayana. But what we do not know is the other stories that are all inter-weaved within the larger one. As an example, how Nemi got the name Dasaratha or how Dasagriva (Ravana) was born with the best of two races – the rakasas on one hand and possessing the power of brahmanas on the other, how Sita’s getting attracted towards the golden deer was something that she been warned off and many more.

One thing that I really liked about the book was its relevance to readers of today. The author has spoken of values and virtues that if followed can make us a better human being. The author also talks about the relationship that a couple shares – two humans bound by marriage suffer and enjoy each other’s fate throughout their lives. Though this is a mythological story, this book is also a self help kit if the reader wishes it see it that way. Every page has a footnote with lots of messages and great insights.

A few of my favorite lessons from the book:

• Life is a combination of hope and despair, the one that dominates you carves your personality.
• Confidence us contagious; so is fear. Both act inversely. Confidence increases our capacity and fear decreases it. 
• The five tips on management a good leader should adhere to – respect, decision making, reputation,character and team management

The characters are well portrayed and each of their qualities have been highlighted in a beautiful manner. The relationships like between a father and son, two brothers, husband and wife, mother and son are all explained very well. Even the way the author has described the king’s subjects and their love for Rama is unique and made me smile. (There could be a personal bias here – my maternal home is in a city which is very close to Ayodhya and as a little girl I had many opportunities to visit Ayodhya. While reading the book, I was drawn to my childhood days and our trips to Rama Janam bhoomi.)

What could have been better: Well, I would say nothing in particular that should have been different. I liked the book for its stories and the lessons. At a few places Keikeyi’s sons address her by her name which to me was a little odd but certainly not a show stopper. I cannot pinpoint on anything that if changed would have made this book a better read. So, thumbs up!!

Tactical Details: The cover page and the color scheme is creatively done. The font size is also easy on the eyes. The writing style is simple and lucid. This book is a good pick for people from any age group. There is something or the other that will surely entice you.

Overall Verdict: I would give this book a 4.5/5. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am already thinking of getting my hands on the first part.

Book Details:  

Name:  Ramayana: The Game of Life, Shattered Dreams

Authors: Shubha Vilas

Genre: Mythology

Publisher: Jaico Books

Publication Year: 2015

Number of pages: 387

Price: 350 INR

My rating: 4.5/5

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