It begins there, I said. I haven't read either of the two books completely, till now. I've only completed up to half of Sirpiye Unnai Sedhukugiren. But the developments which happened after the purchase of these two books is interesting. Aarthi's birthday came up in between, and I was going to pick books from FlipKart. I decided to play around on the site (The First-time venturers always do something extra, don't you think?) , thereby placing an order for a few other books which I was planning to read personally. Among the others I ordered were Shiva Trilogy (2 books - by Amish Tripathi) and Chanakya's Chant. (Ashwin Sanghi)
I've finished reading The Immortals of Meluha (First book to the Shiva Trilogy) and WOW is the one word I can sum up for Amish Tripathi's writing. I cannot believe that there's someone who can effortlessly retell the tale of 'Shivapuranam' in an excellent narrative like this. The fast paced story is set in the time of Indus Valley Civilization - 1900 B.C. Amish provides a map of ancient India right at the back of the cover page, much to our relief so that we can follow the journey of Shiva throughout the book in the pace of the author's imagination. The crux of the book is simple - When we say that there's a battle between the Good and the Evil, How do you know which side is Good and which is Evil? Simple, yet brilliant question. I've always imagined Lord Shiva as an angry God, ready to scorch anything around him in his fury and temper. I've grown hearing the adage - 'Netri Kann thirapinum, Kutram kutrame!' in reference to Lord Shiva's third eye which is between his brows. So I have never prayed to him on a personal front whenever troubled thoughts arise in me. Shivan is but the Destroyer, I would think. But here's our man Shiva, portrayed as a passionate lover, a confused individual, a man unsure of what he should do next, a man guilty of his past, as the one who swears retribution for his friend and a clever strategist. Essentially, Amish depicts Shiva as an adult who makes every mistake as us - thereby casting Shiva as human as we are. :)
The first part of the book is full of instances where Shiva unsuccessfully tries to attract a self-righteous and conservative Sati. You cannot help but feel bad when he fails every time. Later on, his vows of undying love for Sati in her death bed simply brings tears to the eyes. The scenes out of Dharmayudh are lively, wholesome and it brings to you what a war scene was, back in time of the Kings. In all, this is one book which you simply cannot put down once you start. I already have a copy of the sequel to this book - The Secret of the Nagas in my hand which I'll be starting soon. The Immortals of Meluha has been a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has opened to me the other side of Lord Shiva and I will stay connected with the Lord now, after realizing how kind and generous he actually is. Apart from this book, I also read Dork - The Adventures of Robert 'Einstein' Varghese by Sidin Vadukut. Very sad, distasteful stuff. I will not bother writing a review for it. Anyway, what is it with IIM Graduates? Every single one of them seems to turn into a writer in their thirties. :-D By far, Amish seems to be the best among them. :) I glimpsed into Madan's Ki Mu Ki Pi and it appears quite interesting. I randomly just read the part about Chanakiyar and how he made Chandraguptha whom he was. :) #Stunned. On a mental note, I must read this book also ASAP.
Being very honest, there is a volley of books that I'm committing myself to finish one after the other. Did I mention? Aarthi has been threatening us to read and give review for the birthday gift we presented - Nora Roberts' Night Series books which is of the Romantic Thriller genre. :-P None of us know how Nora Roberts actually writes. We wanted to gift her a unique book collection and this was it. At this rate, it seems like I can go on by sparing very little or no time for movies or TV shows. It's like my childhood days when books were enough companion for hours at a stretch. It feels as though I've been touching only good books ever since my visit to that book store by Madley subway. It's been more of a lucky charm, really! I can clearly remember even an SBI ATM booth that was near the book store. I'm elated at the prospect of being offered to read so much. Because when you read good books, it essentially transforms and makes you a better individual. I firmly believe so.
Random Life Happenings -
When I was in Fifth grade, my family and I went to a movie theater to watch Jeans. (Shankar directorial, starring Prashanth and Aishwarya Rai) There's a song Kannodu Kanbathellaam Thalaiva, where Aishwarya Rai dances to a classical tune sung by Nithyashree Mahadevan. At the end of the song, a skeleton dances and leaves the stage. :-D The song was SO GOOD that the audience in the theater asked for a repeat of the song once it was done. They yelled and hooted for a second time till the reel operator accepted to play it once more. So yes, we all sang, danced and enjoyed this lovely track again. Aah, Malarum Ninaivul, I say! :)
I've finished reading The Immortals of Meluha (First book to the Shiva Trilogy) and WOW is the one word I can sum up for Amish Tripathi's writing. I cannot believe that there's someone who can effortlessly retell the tale of 'Shivapuranam' in an excellent narrative like this. The fast paced story is set in the time of Indus Valley Civilization - 1900 B.C. Amish provides a map of ancient India right at the back of the cover page, much to our relief so that we can follow the journey of Shiva throughout the book in the pace of the author's imagination. The crux of the book is simple - When we say that there's a battle between the Good and the Evil, How do you know which side is Good and which is Evil? Simple, yet brilliant question. I've always imagined Lord Shiva as an angry God, ready to scorch anything around him in his fury and temper. I've grown hearing the adage - 'Netri Kann thirapinum, Kutram kutrame!' in reference to Lord Shiva's third eye which is between his brows. So I have never prayed to him on a personal front whenever troubled thoughts arise in me. Shivan is but the Destroyer, I would think. But here's our man Shiva, portrayed as a passionate lover, a confused individual, a man unsure of what he should do next, a man guilty of his past, as the one who swears retribution for his friend and a clever strategist. Essentially, Amish depicts Shiva as an adult who makes every mistake as us - thereby casting Shiva as human as we are. :)
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| What a Man! |
The first part of the book is full of instances where Shiva unsuccessfully tries to attract a self-righteous and conservative Sati. You cannot help but feel bad when he fails every time. Later on, his vows of undying love for Sati in her death bed simply brings tears to the eyes. The scenes out of Dharmayudh are lively, wholesome and it brings to you what a war scene was, back in time of the Kings. In all, this is one book which you simply cannot put down once you start. I already have a copy of the sequel to this book - The Secret of the Nagas in my hand which I'll be starting soon. The Immortals of Meluha has been a thoroughly enjoyable read. It has opened to me the other side of Lord Shiva and I will stay connected with the Lord now, after realizing how kind and generous he actually is. Apart from this book, I also read Dork - The Adventures of Robert 'Einstein' Varghese by Sidin Vadukut. Very sad, distasteful stuff. I will not bother writing a review for it. Anyway, what is it with IIM Graduates? Every single one of them seems to turn into a writer in their thirties. :-D By far, Amish seems to be the best among them. :) I glimpsed into Madan's Ki Mu Ki Pi and it appears quite interesting. I randomly just read the part about Chanakiyar and how he made Chandraguptha whom he was. :) #Stunned. On a mental note, I must read this book also ASAP.
Being very honest, there is a volley of books that I'm committing myself to finish one after the other. Did I mention? Aarthi has been threatening us to read and give review for the birthday gift we presented - Nora Roberts' Night Series books which is of the Romantic Thriller genre. :-P None of us know how Nora Roberts actually writes. We wanted to gift her a unique book collection and this was it. At this rate, it seems like I can go on by sparing very little or no time for movies or TV shows. It's like my childhood days when books were enough companion for hours at a stretch. It feels as though I've been touching only good books ever since my visit to that book store by Madley subway. It's been more of a lucky charm, really! I can clearly remember even an SBI ATM booth that was near the book store. I'm elated at the prospect of being offered to read so much. Because when you read good books, it essentially transforms and makes you a better individual. I firmly believe so.
Random Life Happenings -
When I was in Fifth grade, my family and I went to a movie theater to watch Jeans. (Shankar directorial, starring Prashanth and Aishwarya Rai) There's a song Kannodu Kanbathellaam Thalaiva, where Aishwarya Rai dances to a classical tune sung by Nithyashree Mahadevan. At the end of the song, a skeleton dances and leaves the stage. :-D The song was SO GOOD that the audience in the theater asked for a repeat of the song once it was done. They yelled and hooted for a second time till the reel operator accepted to play it once more. So yes, we all sang, danced and enjoyed this lovely track again. Aah, Malarum Ninaivul, I say! :)
1. Your review on Immortals of Meluha: I loved that book too. It makes on realize how human a God can be, and how godly a Human can be.To me it brings out a perfect sync in thought forms. The second one did not appeal to me much as the first. Nevertheless, I am eager to read the third.
ReplyDeleteIf you liked this, you might as well like Palace of Illusions by Chitralekha Devakaruni.
2. Jeans: Ah those days ! sometimes how we forget the innocence that dwelled within us. I am glad you had fun reliving that song.