Book Review # 85: Draupadi The Tale Of an Empress : Saiswaroopa Iyer
The book was sent by the author in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.
Blurb:
Being born a princess, and raised by a loving father and three doting brothers would make life seem like a bed of roses to any woman. Born out of the sacred fire, Draupadi is no ordinary woman, and her destiny cannot be to walk the beaten path. Witnessing estrangement and betrayal within her own family makes her perceptive and intuitive beyond her years. Complicated marital relationships, a meteoric rise and a fateful loss, humiliation unheard of and a pledge of revenge, all culminating in a bloody war—her ordeal seemed never-ending. Yet she stands up to it all—never succumbing, never breaking. One of the most unforgettable characters of the Mahabharata, Draupadi shows what a woman is capable of. Told with great sensitivity and passion, this book brings alive a character of epic proportions that resonates with every reader across space and time.
My Take:
Epics require no introduction and the characters from epics always remain in mind. So whenever an epic character is written about, it should be always backed by sound research. Draupadi is one such character. Mostly known for her temper, breaking of social norms, living on her own terms, polygamous marriage,strong,independent and the one who was seen as a blood thirsty woman and the reason for the epic fight, she also has a emotional, vulnerable side, her feelings, love, compassion etc.
Saiswaroopa has painted a beautiful Draupadi and added and explored the many dimensions of her personality in a very subtle yet engaging way. This book is a culmination of Draupadi as a person, a mother, wife, empress and much more. I liked the creative liberty taken by the author in presenting Draupadi by by adding more colors yet not tarnishing or breaking the originality of her. Lots has been written about Draupadi in many epics and retelling. But the author has handled this one with maturity.
I liked how her relationships with each of her husbands, father, brother,friend (esp the famous bond with Krishna) are analyzed. The tale put forward in Uttara's voice(her daughter in law) makes it more interesting.The Pandavas, considered as an epitome of rightfulness and truth are also presented as balanced personalities with both their strength and weaknesses talked about. Her relationship with her subjects, Yudhister and Bhim is handled very sensitively and beautifully.
Hats off to you Saiswaroopa for writing and presenting Draupadi like this.The pace of the book is just correct and easy to read.The narration is crisp and to the point. She is a role model amd will remain one for many more generations to come. Keep writing more such wonderful books.
My Rating:
I would rate this 4.5/ 5. Grab a copy now. You can buy a copy here.
Blurb:
Being born a princess, and raised by a loving father and three doting brothers would make life seem like a bed of roses to any woman. Born out of the sacred fire, Draupadi is no ordinary woman, and her destiny cannot be to walk the beaten path. Witnessing estrangement and betrayal within her own family makes her perceptive and intuitive beyond her years. Complicated marital relationships, a meteoric rise and a fateful loss, humiliation unheard of and a pledge of revenge, all culminating in a bloody war—her ordeal seemed never-ending. Yet she stands up to it all—never succumbing, never breaking. One of the most unforgettable characters of the Mahabharata, Draupadi shows what a woman is capable of. Told with great sensitivity and passion, this book brings alive a character of epic proportions that resonates with every reader across space and time.
My Take:
Epics require no introduction and the characters from epics always remain in mind. So whenever an epic character is written about, it should be always backed by sound research. Draupadi is one such character. Mostly known for her temper, breaking of social norms, living on her own terms, polygamous marriage,strong,independent and the one who was seen as a blood thirsty woman and the reason for the epic fight, she also has a emotional, vulnerable side, her feelings, love, compassion etc.
Saiswaroopa has painted a beautiful Draupadi and added and explored the many dimensions of her personality in a very subtle yet engaging way. This book is a culmination of Draupadi as a person, a mother, wife, empress and much more. I liked the creative liberty taken by the author in presenting Draupadi by by adding more colors yet not tarnishing or breaking the originality of her. Lots has been written about Draupadi in many epics and retelling. But the author has handled this one with maturity.
I liked how her relationships with each of her husbands, father, brother,friend (esp the famous bond with Krishna) are analyzed. The tale put forward in Uttara's voice(her daughter in law) makes it more interesting.The Pandavas, considered as an epitome of rightfulness and truth are also presented as balanced personalities with both their strength and weaknesses talked about. Her relationship with her subjects, Yudhister and Bhim is handled very sensitively and beautifully.
Hats off to you Saiswaroopa for writing and presenting Draupadi like this.The pace of the book is just correct and easy to read.The narration is crisp and to the point. She is a role model amd will remain one for many more generations to come. Keep writing more such wonderful books.
My Rating:
I would rate this 4.5/ 5. Grab a copy now. You can buy a copy here.
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