Book Review: Corpokshetra by Deepak Kaul

Title: Corpokshetra

Author: Deepak Kaul

Publisher: Bloody Good Book

About the book

The Pandavas have returned home after 13 years of exile. And they are demanding their stake in Hastinapur Inc. But the Kauravas, led by the haughty Duryodhana, aren’t ready to give them a penny. The battle lines are drawn, only this war is in the present-day Kurukshetra — the corporate boardroom. 

As the Kauravas and the Pandavas don their sharpest suits, Krishna — the wily Consultant - strategies for peace. This is a humorous, modern take on the Mahabharata (with due apologies to Rishi Ved Vyas). An epic story retold for the MBA generation.

Review

Adi Guru Ved Vyas’ masterpiece, Mahabharata, holds a special place in the hearts of the Indians. Over the years several attempts have been made of retelling this epic poem in modern context, sometimes with success, at others, not so much. Deepak Kaul’s ‘Corpokshetra’ is one such attempt where the writer has drawn parallels between the ‘kurukshetra’ or war field and the board room of a corporate world.

In the author’s own words, his debut novel has been inspired by Shashi Tharoor’s ‘The great Indian novel’ which in turn reflects the epic. Mr Tharoor used India’s freedom struggle as the backdrop for his perspective on the Great War. Deepak has used a corporate setting to tell his tale.

One would think that it is an exhausted subject for new writing but the fact remains that the epic has so many layers that interpretation by each person varies dramatically. As such, Deepak’s book is one more addition to the caddy and a successful one at that. It’s old-fashioned and evokes a distinct sense of déjà vu and you’ll love it for that very reason.

Reading the book reminded me of spoofs. Not in any negative sense, let me add. Deepak’s writing style is simple but above average. You’ll get a good dose of laughter with whatever goes on between the pages. His eye for detailed narrative is something to look out for. His tongue-in-cheek narration of the incidents makes it a desirable read.

To sum it, ‘Corpokshetra’ is a neat package with the right amount of ingredients. A breezy read to take your mind off for the duration of your reading session delivered with a promise to appeal to all and sundry.

Link

Amazon

About the Author

Deepak Kaul is a chartered accountant by profession, specialising in international tax. He has over twenty years of work experience, of which twelve were spent overseas in Singapore and USA. Deepak has always been fond of reading; writing is his aspirational hobby and he hopes to pursue it as a vocation.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review his book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

*'I received a free copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.'