Hello lovelies!
Today I have got another book in hand and well, this one’s a tough one to review because it’s based on an original script which had been written several years ago. I am going to keep the review short because I don’t have much to say about this book.
Here is what it looks like…
Tada
Book Title: Ramayana – The Game of Life – Stand Strong – Book 4
Author: Shubha Vilas
Format: Paperback
Total Number of Pages: 316
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Publication Date: 30th September 2017
Language: English
Genre: Self Help/ Religion and Philosophy
REVIEW BY SOHINEE DEY
Every kid who have been raised in an Indian family would be familiar with the epic mythology, Ramayana and who wouldn’t?! Starting from the television serial which used to be aired on every Sunday to hearing tales about Rama from our grandparents to having idols of Hanuman in our homes, we Indian kids have always been exposed to this epic right from our childhood. Even if we may not know it in entirety, we are still familiar with the name and some of the most well-known incidences. Ramayana is a purana which had been written by Valmiki muni several eons ago and is a very important part of Hindu Mythology. There are many life lessons that this epic teaches us and summing up the entire book in a single review is quite difficult.
The original script was written in Sanskrit and there had been numerous retellings by different people but at the core, the story remains the same. This Rama-Ravana saga has been written with the moral, good wins over evil. There are many festivals too that revolve around this epic. Navratri is one such important festival of the Hindus which is marked by Dusshera where a Ravana effigy is burnt to show that good indeed does win over evil .
This book cannot be exactly passed away as another retelling of this epic, instead the correct way to phrase it would be to say that this is written in such a manner so that the incidences and the characters are in accordance with the actual script but the narration and the dialogues are modernized to draw attention from the young audience. It really is an authentic narration of the epic with life lessons, as it says.
The book mainly focuses on one of the most well-known incidences, Kiskindha Kanda of the original Ramayana written by Valmiki. The narrative begins with the chance meeting between Sugriva and Hanumana. Later on, the encounter of Rama and Hanumana is also talked about in the book. Hanumana has a lot to contribute to this book, from helping Rama to rescuing Sita from the grip of evil Ravana to setting fire to Lanka with his tail.
Also, many other events related to the making of this saga is also narrated in this book.
The narration offers vivid description of the whole incident and the language is fluid and at the same time stresses on the important words for enhancement. All in all, I loved the narration.
I have a strong aversion towards mythological books and I don’t know why, but I am not really a fan of such books. Mostly, these mythological books are written in such a complicated manner – with long complex sentences to language as tough as nails to having too many characters but not giving them enough space in the book. I have noticed that these days, mythology has become a mainstream for debuting by Indian authors but this book, surprisingly diverts away from being ‘one of those books’. No offence to the authors who stick to this genre. Please, keep your daggers to yourself! It’s the way it is narrated that makes the difference. The narration is presented in such a simplistic manner that it has the capacity to hold the attention of non-mythological readers like me.
I usually steer clear of mythological books. But, this time I thought to give a chance to the genre and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Also, the quotes at the bottom of each page were interesting and I would say that I was more interested in reading those quotes than the actual paragraphs!
Maybe that what kept me turning the pages!! Nah, I am just kidding.
The readers who are not at all into reading mythology or doesn’t have any prior knowledge of the actual script might not like it much. This book is specifically written to cater to a particular group of readers but those who want to challenge themselves or wants to divulge into this particular genre can start with this book, or more correctly start with the first book in this series. Yes, it’s a series of 4 books and though each of them can be considered as stand-alones, it is better to start right from the first book. Still, if one wants to read this directly, they can do it too.
The book has quite a number of pages, so, if you are looking for a quick read, this book might not be a good choice. If you’re going to pick this book, you should have enough time in your hand. It’s better to take breaks when you’re reading this otherwise you might get a little bit bored, especially if you are not taken by mythology.
Though the plotline is of the epic Purana, it would be rightly categorised as a self-help/philosophical read. So, if you are looking for a book that could clear your thoughts and offer you direction, this book can prove to be a motivating read.
MY FINAL VERDICT –
This book might not be the ideal read for every reader. I would particularly recommend this book to mythology lovers and people who are not overwhelmed by a lengthy read. If you are fascinated with mythology or wish to try this genre, this book would be a good start.
This book is almost as the original script (as the name suggests) but presented in an easier way; the quotes added a fresh touch.
Here are some of them –
‘Success embraces those with one eye intensely focused on the goal, and the other carefully monitoring the challenges in achieving that goal.’
‘Gossip is the beggar’s well-dressed manifestation for the penny of attention.’
‘Every powerful force in this world has an equally powerful counter-force.’
‘Use the praise code to open the most complicated locks of a securely closed heart.’
‘Using humility as a tactic is worse than having pride as a frailty.’
RATING –
Since, it is completely based on the original Ramayana, I am not going to rate it separately (plot, concept, etc.) I am only going to give an overall rating.
POESY IN CHRYSALIS RATING: ⭐⭐⭐.8/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What did you think of the review? Have you read this book? Comment down your thoughts below. Feedbacks are appreciated 😄.
You can buy the book from Amazon –
WANT TO GET YOUR BOOK REVIEWED?
(Head over to the Book Reviewing Page for more information!)
Also, I added a Review Policy. Don’t forget to check it out if you are thinking of requesting a review.
Just send an e-mail at donadey01@gmail.com regarding your review queries or just e-mail me for a chat! Once I receive your e-mail, I’ll get back to you and discuss all the details. I’m only an e-mail away!!
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ME?
I have listed down all my social media links in the Contact Page. I am known to be a friendly person, I don’t bite :p. Come, let’s talk!!
Sohinee Reads & Reviews 
1 thought on “BOOK REVIEW OF RAMAYANA – GAME OF LIFE – STAND STRONG – BOOK 4 WRITTEN BY SHUBHA VILAS”