Review of ‘Ravana- A Mistaken King, An Unmistaken Leader’

“A Brilliant Portrayal of Lankeshwara – a living genius.”

Author: Gaurav Kataria

Format: Kindle edition

Genre: Mythology

The fiction is based on characters from Hindu Mythology.

Summary:

‘Maybe I was arrogant but never ignorant.
For ages, people have judged me for my deeds
but never for my intentions behind those deeds.’
(p. 22)

The Ramayana, one of the largest ancient epics in world literature, portrayed Ravana as a powerful evil demon, who abducted Sita. It portrayed the ‘Good’ as ‘Gods / Devas’ and the ‘Bad’ as ‘Evil / Asuras’. What historically broadened is that Ravana is a malevolent individual, yet he was the most educated and an incredible follower of Lord Shiva. It is really amazing to witness how the author has given the limelight to the life of Ravana-

‘Sita was never the reason for my death.
Her abduction was never the cause.’

I am astonished how the author has done a thorough research of the mythological informations, before writing this book.Apart from showing the side of Sita’s abduction there is variety of instances that shows who the real Ravana is –

‘I was not a rebel without a cause.’
(p. 24)

The story is written from Three different Dimensions, which led to the tragic fate of Ravana, the narrator being Ravana himself. While reading I caught few glimpse of ‘Meghnad Badh Kavya’ the literary epic by Michael Madhusudan Dutta.

Coming to the writing style, it is very comprehensive and understandable. Will definitely recommend all to read for sure.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐