It has finally happened! I’ve finished reading a book since Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer! Yay! Allow me to do my happy dance. Hehe.
I’m still working through The Age of Odin by James Lovegrove. He’s got a few things wrong, so far, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t weaving an intriguing tale.
Anyway, back to The Ramayana.
The Ramayana, in this form, is a novelisation of an Indian epic depicting the life of Vishnu’s Avatara, Rama, and his struggle to be the dutiful son, dutiful prince, dutiful older brother, and dutiful king of India.
Set in the mystical, the realistic, and the whole of India some five thousand years ago and longer, the story of Rama is the story of a man who was perfect in every way. Rama did his best to never sin.
His story starts with one wanting to know if a sinless man ever lived and with one of the Gods visiting the rishi (sage) in question. And it begins with a king coming into old age and wanting an heir for his throne.
The Ramayana also begins with the rakshasa Ravana, king of demons and impervious to all who might stand against him, except for mortal men.
The story is told in a simiplistic yet old-time fashion. While it glosses over many battles – indeed, many of them end quicker than they seem to begin for Rama is truly unique amongst humans – Ramesh doesn’t skimp where needed. He’s taken a timeless Hindu story and put into the form of a novel.
Now this is not a story for everyone. Not everyone enjoys the old-time style, the pacing and the lyrical nature of the woven word. But, for me, it was a fun, fantastic read, and a story I’m very glad to have in my collection.
I just wish Rama was actually blue on the cover instead of green. ^_^
Enchanted Realms 