Book Review # 38: Rise of Kali: Duryodhana's Mahabharata :Anand Neelakantan

Synopsis:

The Mahabharata endures as the great epic of India. While Jaya is the story Of the Pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of Kurukshetra, Ajaya is the tale of the Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man. From the pen of the author who gave voice to Ravana in the national bestseller, Asura, comes the riveting narrative which compels us to question The truth behind the Mahabharata. As the Pandavas stake their claim to the Hastinapura throne, the Kaurava Crown Prince, Suyodhana, rises to challenge Krishna. As great minds debate dharma and adharma, power hungry men prepare for an apocalyptic war. The women, highborn and humble, helplessly watch the unfolding disaster with deep foreboding. And greedy merchants and unscrupulous priests lie in wait like vultures. Both sides know that beyond the agony and carnage the winner will take all. But even as gods conspire and men’s destinies unfold, a far greater truth awaits. The dark age of kali is rising and every man and woman must choose between duty And conscience, honour and shame, life and death…
Picture Source:goodreads



My review:A wonderful book, nicely written with very well researched facts and a balanced one. It at the end gives a chance to the reader to decide what and whom they feel is right. The author doesn’t take sides. I am fascinated by the way the characters are described. The book speaks volumes about Karna's dedication towards Duryodhana, Bhanumatis love for her husband. The conflicts of interest faced By Bhishma and Dronacharya when they have to side either of the Kauravas/ Pandavas  in the war.

Mainly the book deals with the personality of Duryodhana, the challenges faced by him and how the path of righteous defines each one of them. All are right in their own way. It explains how we all are right sometimes in our own sense and how being right is different for all.

The author deserves a mention for being so balanced. He just narrates the story, which we all know but at the same time he infuses his own thoughts and narrates in a way that we all read it in spite of knowing about it. The book as it progresses becomes emotionally draining and interesting. It creates a sense of emptiness in us as it finishes.

I would recommend this to all who would love to know more about Duryodhana and why he is the person he is, right or wrong. I leave to your judgement.


About the author:

Anand Neelkantan is the author of the famous Asura the tale of the Vanquished which speaks about Raavan. Also he has written Ajaya the roll of the dice, the prequel to this.