Book Review: Jahangir: An Intimate Portrait of a Great Mughal by Parvati Sharma

Title: Jahangir: An Intimate Portrait of a Great Mughal

Author: Parvati Sharma

Publisher: Juggernaut

In her latest book, “Jahangir: An Intimate Portrait of a Great Mughal,” Parvati Sharma shines a light on the fourth and least known Mughal ruler, Jahangir aka Salim.

Nuruddin Muhammad Salim started to call himself “Jahangir,” seizer of the world, long before his father Akbar died and unwillingly left him the throne. Shadowed by the greatness and grandeur of his father Akbar, son Shah Jahan, and wife Nur Jahan, whatever is known about Jahangir is further marred by his drug abuse. He had fallen victim to overindulgence in drink and opium, was mercurial, ill-tempered, and loved the signs of royal power. But behind all these, there lurked a canny ruler and conscientious administrator. In Sharma’s book, we get acquainted to this version of Jahangir.

Jahangir inherited none of his father’s empire-building drive, but he was a patron of the arts. He was an excellent hunter, a naturalist, a mystic, and a book lover. He loved statistics and traveled mainly to catalog the characteristics of his country through its myriad flora and fauna.

The author’s descriptions of the royal court and life are superb. Her detailed explorations of Jahangir’s life reflect her long study, deep understanding, and modern take on a little-explored subject. She forsakes the scholarly approach and examines her subject with a humanistic eye.

Sharma fares elegantly well using her skills as an acclaimed fiction writer. Through her book, she tells a compelling story about one of the most fascinating and perhaps the most undervalued rulers of India. Her writing is enriching in its historical sweep and context. It gives the readers a totally new perspective on the life and time of Jahangir. Her writing is crisp with a uniform flow of thoughts. There are no hiccups and I daresay, it is one of my finest reads of this year.

Jahangir is a page-turning, eye-opening biography of a man whom history remembers only through his relationships with others.

Parvati Sharma's debut, The Dead Camel and Other Stories of Love, earned her a cult following for its depictions of love and sexuality in urban India. Her novella, Close to Home, was acclaimed as 'tender, acute and pulsing with real Indian life'. She has also written a book for children, The Story of Babur. Sharma has worked as a travel writer, editor and journalist.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Juggernaut.in

Book Review: The Birth of Kali by Anita Sivakumaran

Title: The Birth of Kali

Author: Anita Sivakumaran

Publisher: Juggernaut

Anita Sivakumaran’s The Birth of Kali is a collection of nine oft heard stories with a twist that are in turn subversive, thought provoking, and sometimes even disturbing. These nine stories are retelling of popular episodes or characters from Mahabharata and Ramayana — the two magnum opus Indians swear by.

Through these stories Sivakumaran has tried to give to her readers a change in perspective and a glimpse into a world that could have been but never materialized. For generations, patriarchal traditions have managed to control and mute women’s voices in our country. It has been the men who’ve written about women, put words in their mouth that they’ve deemed fit. In this collection, Sivakumaran gives voice to some of the female characters from myth and epics, women who were denied their say by the male storytellers. As such, the book basically inspects mythology from a feminist gaze.

Sivakumaran writes about Sita, Kannagi, Ahalya, and Kali among others, adding a modern twist to all that we have known for ages. The first story is titled Lakshmanan’s Circle. In this version, Sita befriends Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister. She feels that she needs to be free of Ram. Her new friend helps her and asks Ravana to kidnap Sita and give her protection in a grove. In Sivakumaran’s recounting, Sita walks out of the famous circle on her own will. In Kannaki’s Anklet, we have Kannaki, a stoic lover, waiting patiently for her wayward poet husband. While Akalya’s story tackles the maze of morality and sexuality, in ‘The Making of Avvai,’ the author alludes to the tradition of solo female poets in Tamil literature. The other stories too will leave their own mark on the reader’s mind no doubt.

No words wasted, lines crisp and short, yet so powerful — it’s difficult to say whether this compendium is prose or poetry. The fact that this is a part of the author’s thesis makes it a little on the scholarly scale. 

A penetrating, spirited recounting of compelling elegance.

Anita Sivakumaran is the author of The Queen, a novel, and the poetry collection Sips That Make a Poison Woman. Her work has appeared in anthologies from Virago and Bloodaxe, among others. She was born in Madras and has lived in the UK since 2004.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Google.com

Author Interview: Thomas Leslie McRae, Author of Fatal Impact

Thomas Leslie McRae is a 36 year old African American male who love for poetry and writing in general has transformed him in to a overly embellish author who strides on being the best author he can possibly be. Thomas lives with his parents not because he has to but because he chooses to stay with them while he saves his money to buy them all a house they all can enjoy. His current poetry book project Fatal Impact is filled with passion and desire plus a variety of collection of poems such as spiritual, love, death, political and personal. Thomas believes everyone who has a open mind will like this book because he feels poetry hasn't been this good in a very long time. Fatal Impact is available online Amazon.com, Barnes and noble.com, Google Books.com, fishpond.com and every other book retailer online.

1. What motivates you too write and where does your inspiration comes from?

Life motivates me to write.  Love, pain, and all of the above. I write because it's who I am and it's in my soul.

2. What questions do you wish that someone would ask you about your books, but nobody has?

At the moment I can't think of anything, but I'm open to any and every question. Because nothing means more to me than talking to my readers and genuine fan base.

3. What are your current projects?

My most current book Fatal Impact is available online at amazon.com and any other book retailer that you can think of. It's a poetry book, with a collection of poems such as spiritual, love, death, political and personal. I believe you will enjoy this book because it's filled with passion and desire as well as soul.

4. How do you think you have evolved as a person/author because of your writing and do you believe your writing has help others and why?

I believe my writing has made me more focused and dedicated, I'm determined to be heard and recognize for my artistic efforts. And the reason why I believe my writing has inspired others is because people I know plus never met tells me all the time how much they admire my dedication plus strong will to express myself freely and openly.

5. What is your biggest fear about having a book published?

At this point in my life I don't have any fear in regards of self-publishing, because between marketing and promoting myself plus monitoring the self-publishing company I have to go through to get my book out there. It's too much time consuming plus energy draining to worry about any kind of fear or to have any doubts.

6. Who is the prime target for your book?

Pretty much anyone who enjoys poetry plus a little of rhythm and soul.

7. If you had a chance to get one message out there to reach readers all over the world what would it be?

If you’re a genuine poetry lover who appreciates the craft then please support this book. Because there's a little bit for everyone especially if you're a diverse reader.

8. What would you like to write about that you have never written before?

Eventually I would like to write a typical full length novel from all kinds of genres. It doesn't matter if it’s love, action or drama. As long as it's quality good work.

9. What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you what tools are a must for writers?

To be a good writer you must be passionate, resilient, willing to accept criticism and determine to succeed even if you dont have a good support system at home.

10. What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

My book speaks to anyone’s soul plus has the ability to touch everyone's heart and give it an emotional charge.

11. What is the best advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

The main advice I would give anyone is to do your research especially if your self-publishing, but I would also tell them to pursue your dreams and don’t let anyone hold you back. Because life is too short to allow others to dictate who you are and what you're supposed to be.

12. Is there anything else you like to share with your readers?

Fatal Impact is available online amazon.com plus any other book retailer. If you wish to contact me personally email me anytime at. I am open to questions, advice or all of the above. Fatal Impact is raw, real and it's here please support this book you won't be disappointed.

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Fatal Impact is raw, real and it's here please support this book because poetry hasn't been this good in a very long time. It’s filled with passion and desire plus a variety of collection of poems such as spiritual, love, death, political, and personal.

Amazon * Fishpond * Barnes&Noble

Thank you, Thomas for this amazing interview! I wish you success for all your future works. Keep writing!

Author Interview: Shilpa Suraj, Author of Driven by Desire

Shilpa Suraj was a year and a half when she was first introduced to the world of books. Her mother would park her with a picture book on the floor of the kitchen while she finished her cooking for the day. While it’s no longer the kitchen floor, you can still find her tucked away in a cosy nook somewhere with her nose buried in a book. While books in all genres interest her, it was romance that captured her heart. While racing through every romantic fiction book she could beg, borrow or buy, her over active imagination started to work overtime and weave its own stories. Years in the corporate world followed by a stint of entrepreneurship crystallised her belief that all she really wanted to do was give life to the stories bubbling inside of her. She briefly managed to tear herself away from the world of fiction to find her own personal happily ever after and now spends her time happily focusing on the two loves of her life – family and writing romances.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer/ a storyteller?

I’ve always had a story to tell…the only difference is earlier I got punished for it and now I get paid. Jokes aside, I remember being the one narrating rather than listening to the bedtime story even as a child. I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller but it’s only later in life that I got around to doing this on a larger platform and with a wider audience.

What motivates you to write and where does your inspiration come from?

My motivation and my inspiration come from the same place…life and my vivid imagination. I’ll write as long as I have a story to tell and at the moment, I don’t see that ever ending. This is my happily ever after.

How did you come up with the idea for your current story?

Max was a character who strolled right into my head. A vintage car restorer with a joie de vivre that’s enviable, Max is someone I’d love to be. Unfortunately, I’m more a Krish in real life. Harried, overburdened and stressed out. Bringing the two of them together was fun, interesting and irresistible.

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine or do you have any weird, funny, or unusual habits while writing and what are they?

I wish I had a process. I truly wish I did but my process consists of writing whenever I find the time. With an active toddler, a full time job and a home to run, my writing time is usually in the middle of the night; the only time peace and quiet reign in my home. I don’t have an unusual habit per se but I do have a funny story. I set up a fully functional study in my home so I could sit at a tidy, professional looking table and write. It’s tidy and professional alright but I haven’t written a word at it. I usually end up tapping away in bed next to my sleeping daughter so I can multitask…babysit and write to my heart’s content.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

I do. I often find myself struggling, especially in the middle of a book. What usually works for me is to take a break from the story. Refresh, recharge and remove yourself from the rut you’re stuck in…the writer’s block usually will sort itself out. If you’re still stuck, then maybe you need to revisit your story. The protagonists are probably trying to tell you something! 😊

What are your current/future projects?

My next book releases with Rupa Publications next year. It is the story of three people caught in a tangled web of love, family, marriage and each other and their dark, desperate journey of redemption. Adultery, bankruptcy and perfidy bring the three of them to a crossroads in life where there is no right choice. Only the wrong one.But mostly, it’s a story of their quest to gain acceptance through love. The only choice left to us all.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?

I never chose my genre or field. I only ever wrote the stories I wanted to tell. My focus has always been on telling the most compelling story I could. The rest, as far as I’m concerned, are just labels.

Are you traditional or self-published, and what process did you go through to get your book published?

I’m traditionally published. When I wrote my debut novel ‘The Girl He Left Behind,’ I didn’t have any idea how the publishing industry worked. I went online and looked up submission guidelines of a few publishers and sent off my sample chapters and synopsis assuming I would be flooded with offers. I was lucky in that I did get several requests for the full manuscript followed by polite and encouragingly worded rejections until Harlequin reached out expressing interest. They offered me a two book contract and I haven’t looked back since.

Do you believe there is value in a review? Do you believe they are under rated, over rated, or don’t matter at all?

Yes, of course, there is value in a review. Good, bad or ugly, there is always something to learn and take away from it.

What is the intended audience for you book?

My books are intended for any adult reader who would like to read them. Taste or preferences are subjective, whether it’s books or fashion or anything else in life and I wouldn’t dream of judging who should or shouldn’t read my books. I’m happiest if everyone does.

What would you like to write about that you have never written about before?

Motherhood...A new mother myself, I realise just how much pressure there is on moms to be supermoms. I’d love to write a story about the real, heartwarming, confusing and oftentimes exhausting journey that it truly is.

Do you view writing as a career, labor of love, hobby, creative outlet, therapy, or something else?

Writing is my passion and a pocket of my life that’s only for me. It’s the part where I’m not someone’s mother, wife, daughter, employee…I’m just Shilpa Suraj. The successes, failures, bouquets and brickbats are all mine and for that alone, the value it brings to my life is immeasurable.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself/your book.

I’m a terrible cook. The first time I cooked for my husband post marriage he ended up with a mild bout of food poisoning.

I’m as much of a klutz as Max from Driven by Desire. I can literally trip over nothing.

I have to finish every book I start. No matter how tedious or hard to get into I find it, I can’t seem to stop reading until I reach the end. If I don’t complete it, it will plague me until I do.

An ace vintage car restorer and a pharmaceutical tycoon, Maxine and Krish have nothing in common. 

A chance encounter puts their lives on a collision course and a stubborn and steady attraction begins to bloom. 

Wanting each other is easy, it's happy ever after that's the problem...

Juggernaut

Thank you, Shilpa for this amazing interview! I wish you success for all your future works. Keep writing!

The Peshwa: War of the Deceivers by Ram Sivasankaran

Title: The Peshwa - War of the Deceivers
Author: Ram Sivasankaran
Publisher: Westland

Ram Sivasankaran’s ‘The Peshwa: War of the Deceivers’ is the second installment in the Peshwa series. The story is set in the early 18th century when warlords marched their legions across and bloodied the subcontinent seeking territories, wealth, and revenge.

The book is all about how the Marathas, under the Peshwas, sought alliance with the Sikhs and outsmarted the Mughals and Nizam Ul Mulk. It is a fictionalised story of how the Mughals and the Nizam employed a legion of shadowy murderers, called Scorpions, and how the Marathas destroyed it. The beginning of the book deals with the most iconic events in the Maratha history and is followed by some subsidiary events before the fictional aspect unfolds.

Sivasankaran has done full justice with this novel. There is a nice blend of fiction and history in this book that promises a great reading experience just like its prequel. The author’s stark prose heightens the story’s tension and realism. The only real flaw of the book is the fact that some of the characters lack a real personality, especially the legion of shadowy murderers. They come across as two dimensional card-board renditions of stereotype assassins. That said, the rest of the story telling doesn’t experience any jolts and one keeps turning the pages till the end wanting for more. Right from its stylized cover and down to its narrative style — this book just keeps scoring brownie points.  

As usual, history buffs will find plenty to ponder and casual readers will enjoy his storytelling manner as he continues to weave a colorful tapestry of the Marathas.

An all-round win for readers who enjoy thrilling tales, historical context, and contemplating the what-ifs of a time long gone.

Ram Sivasankaran was born in Madras, India, but has spent most of his life abroad, largely in the Middle East and the United Stated of America. He was brought up on stories from Hindu legend and the great epics and classics of both India and the West. In addition to being a passionate student of history in school, Ram has built a keen interest in stories of valour, heroism, chivalry, beauty, and romance.

A daydreamer of sorts, Ram believes deeply in the power of imagination---the mind being the canvas on which even the seemingly talentless can create new universes, resurrect eras long gone, bring the gods to life and even revive heroes and damsels of yore. Ram makes his debut with a historical novel on one of the greatest and yet, to an extent, less known figure from Indian history — Bajirao Bhat, Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy, mighty warrior, hopeless romantic and one of the most dazzling examples of wartime courage, military readership and battle strategy.

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

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Cover Reveal: Being Reshma by Reshma Qureshi and Tania Singh

~ Cover Reveal ~

Being Reshma by Reshma Qureshi and Tania Singh

About the Book:

On 19 May 2014, as seventeen-year-old Reshma Qureshi left home for the examination centre, everything happened in a flash. The men rushed towards her. Grabbed her. Tugged at her hair. Poured acid on her face. Soon she started to burn like a living corpse. The acid ate through her skin and aimed for her bones, but it could not quell the fire in her heart.

It lifted Reshma from tragedy and suffering and propelled her to New York, where she made global headlines by becoming the first acid-attack survivor to walk the runway at the New York Fashion Week. Now an international anti-acid-sale activist, vlogger, model, and the face of Make Love Not Scars, Reshma works tirelessly towards empowering other acid-attack survivors like herself and has become a beacon of hope for millions.

Inspiring and life-affirming, Being Reshma is the extraordinary story of a young girl from the slums of Mumbai, who overcame insurmountable odds in an unjust world and dared to change it.

About the Authors:

Reshma Qureshi is an Indian model, vlogger, and anti-acid activist. She is also the face of Make Love Not Scars, an NGO that works towards rehabilitating and empowering acid-attack survivors.

Tania Singh is the CEO of Make Love Not Scars. She lives in New Delhi.

Praise for the Book

‘Reshma’s story of suffering and survival is also a wonderful triumph of the human spirit, highlighting this young woman’s remarkable determination to turn tragedy and despair into a powerful movement for change’—SIR RICHARD BRANSON

‘Reshma Qureshi’s strength and determination to reclaim her life, and, in doing so, to become a global beacon of hope is truly inspirational’—JOHN SWINNEY

‘Reshma's story is a must-read for everyone … There is much to learn from her inspirational life’—SACHIN TENDULKAR

‘Being Reshma is a powerful story of courage, perseverance and triumph … A significant achievement and a compelling read’—SHASHI THAROOR

‘A wake-up call to fix the abysmal state of medical care in India, and the deeply entrenched insensitivity, of hospitals, and even of celebrated doctors’—KAVITA KRISHNAN

‘A powerful memoir. Tragic, haunting and inspiring’—KESHAV SURI

Book Review: Half The Night Is Gone by Amitabha Bagchi

Title: Half The Night Is Gone

Author: Amitabha Bagchi

Publisher: Juggernaut

Amitabha Bagchi’s ‘Half The Night Is Gone’ is the story of three generations of merchants and labourers with conjoined fates.

At the turn of the twentieth century, star wrestler Mange Ram is brought to Delhi by Lala Motichand, a wealthy landowner, successful merchant, and amateur wrestler. The former’s son Parsadi serves Motichand’s sons. Then there is Ramdas, who Parsadi hopes will be the personal attendant of Motichand’s grandson Kesho. These are the main characters around whom the narrative revolves.

Though Mange Ram and Lala Motichand are separated by their social status, the master and servant duo are only human beings at the end of the day, who worry about the future of their children and about the perpetuation of their family line in their respective fields. Strikingly, the story lacks the presence of any significant female leads. As such we can surmise that this is a story of fatherhood and patriarchy.

Their story is interjected by four long letters written by an eminent Hindi novelist, Vishwanath. He is grieving over the death of his only son. He is heartbroken and the tragedy spurs him to write a novel that is the story of Motichand and Mange Ram. In writing the novel, he confronts the wreckage of his own life while also seeking to make sense of the new India that came into being after independence.

The connection between Vishwanath and Mange Ram’s story becomes clearer only much later, completing the emotional arc of the narrative. However, this connection is never established explicitly.

Bagchi’s narrative reverberates with emotional truths laced with unusual depth and tenderness. His language is rich and intentionally made to appear old fashioned to accommodate the timeline of the novel. However, the lengthy sentences can test one’s patience.

Resilient and fiercely observant, this novel gradually blossoms into a thoughtful, emotionally complex, absorbing drama that stands confidently on its own merits.

Amitabha Bagchi is the author of three novels. The first, Above Average, was a bestseller. His second novel, the Householder, was published to critical acclaim and the third, This Place, was shortlisted for the Raymond Crossword Book Award 2014. Bagchi lives in New Delhi with his wife and son.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Goodreads.com

Book Review: Love A Little Stronger by Preeti Shenoy

Title: Love A Little Stonger
Author: Preeti Shenoy
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Preeti Shenoy’s ‘Love A Little Stronger’ is a collection of 50 short, real-life incidents that have inspired the author in the course of her life. If you’ve read ‘34 Bubblegums and Candies,’ you’ll see that this book is like old wine in a new bottle. This book features stories from her previous one, albeit edited versions, in addition to some new ones.

The 50 stories in this book are grouped under 5 sub-heads. Each group starts with a memorable quotation by some famous author or the other. ‘The Parent Trap’ portrays the close bonding between the author and her parents. It also includes anecdotes from her own parenting days. ‘Life, Love And Laughter’ include incidents that are funny, humorous, and at times embarrassing but charming at the same time. The third section is ‘Hey Brother!’ This comprises of incidents involving the author’s children. How siblings protect and stand for each other during times of need is what makes this section a happy reading. In the fourth section of the book, ‘Love A Little Stronger,’ she speaks about love and acts of kindness. In the concluding section, ‘Be The Best You Can Be,’ Shenoy shares tips on life and parenting and gives advice to the aspiring writers.

The stories vary in length but display an unwavering tone of simplicity and warmth. Each story, somehow or the other, gives one hope. It touches the heart and elicits a smile. The stories are very relatable and go on to show that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, things always change. Through this book, the author wants people to always believe in love. She also shares her belief that oftentimes it is the tiniest things that bring happiness in our lives.

Shenoy is a gifted, natural story teller and this book is a light-giving, tender thing.

Preeti Shenoy is the bestselling author of Life is What You Make It and nine other titles. Her books have been translated into several Indian and foreign languages. She is among the highest selling authors in India. She is also a speaker, columnist, and artist. Preeti has been featured on BBC, Conde Nast, Verve, India Today and all other major media.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in

Book Review: Padmavat - An Epic Love Story by Purushottam Agarwal

Title: Padmavat

Author: Purushottam Agarwal

Publisher: Rupa Publications India

An epic poem, Padmavat was written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540. Now, some five hundred years since this poem was first written, the story of Queen Padmavati still continues to capture the imagination of readers with its unique characterization. Several versions of this historical story have made the rounds of both the literary and cine world. Purushottam Agrawal’s ‘Padmavat: An Epic Love Story’ is one among many such renditions.

So what makes Professor Agarwal’s book unique? Why should one choose to read this book? Simply put, Prof Agarwal’s book is a retelling, and sometimes interpretation, of the original Awadhi text. His book is a detailed explanation of what Jayasi’s poem stood for. It is not a fictional account of the story that has been simply converted from the poem. This book is an attempt to understand the truth and myth behind the tale.

There has been a lot of controversy regarding the authenticity of the myth of Queen Padmini of Chittor. The original poem ends with Jayasi's own words: “I have made up the story and related it.” As such, there should be no doubt, at least as far as the event in the poem goes, that the story of the queen is nothing but a figment of a poet’s imagination.

Jayasi never meant to write history. Neither has Prof Agarwal. Jayasi’s epic poem was a work of creative, imaginative literature woven around an episode in history. In his much celebrated poem, he transformed that episode and its legend into a rich, intricate tapestry of love, desire, and struggle wrought with sacrifice. Jayasi, through his ingenious, had placed a local episode into a much wider cultural perspective. Prof Agarwal’s is an interpretation of the former. He does not get into the question of the historicity of the story of Padmavati, except tangentially.

According to Prof Agarwal, Jayasi put love and life in the ultimate existential perspective of transience in the face of impending death. In a poignant poetic move, at the end of his saga, Jayasi makes victorious Alauddin reflect not only on his pyrrhic victory but also on the nature of insatiable desire. It’s he who says desire never goes away unless a man reaches the grave. To show what he means, Prof Agarwal has provided text from the original Awadhi wherever possible with its paraphrase in English.

Prof Agarwal is one of the most distinguished contemporary critics of Hindi and a renowned scholar of Kabir. He taught Padmavat for over 40 years and his tremendous love for the epic shows in his retelling of it. Through this book, he takes us on a journey through and about Padmavat. He describes the salient points of the story. Written in a fluid language, Prof Agarwal’s book is easy to comprehend. Devdutt Pattanaik’s alluring illustrations embellish the chapters and add an undeniable charm.

A stunning display of insight and erudition and an important contribution towards understanding a historical episode.

Purushottam Agrawal is a New Delhi based writer and literary historian. He works on Bhakti, spirituality without religion and India’s organic early modernity which, he argues, was halted in its tracks by colonization. His work draws upon sources in Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Braj and Awadhi.

His book on Kabir, Akath Kahani Prem Ki: Kabir ki Kavita aur Unka Samay (2009) is considered a contemporary classic and won the first Rajkamal Kriti Samman.

He is a well-known public intellectual, lending his voice to newspaper and television debates. He is a contributing editor at The Quint.

Devdutt Pattanaik writes and lectures on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He has written over 700 articles in newspapers and thirty books, which include the bestselling Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to Management and My Gita. His shows on television include Business Sutra and Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik. He lives in Mumbai.

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I'd like to thank the publisher for letting me review the 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 review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

** Picture courtesy: Amazon.in, Twitter