Book Review: Many Ramayanas Many Lessons
Book Name: Many Ramayana Many Lessons
Author: Anand Neelakantan
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Non-Fiction
Many Ramayanas Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan is a non-fiction novels which explores different Ramayans and the lessons they delivered with the essence of different culture and retellings across Asia.
Review
This book presents different versions of the Ramayana, including Valmiki, Buddhist, Southeast Asian, Tamil, and Jain, woven in the words of playful and insightful commentary on the lessons and the truths within tales over the Ramayana era. Through his research, in this book, the author has explored his views not strongly supporting any tale, yet inviting readers to learn about different stories that are unknown from the Treta Yuga. With all the knowledge gathered for writing this book, the final work is a collection of thoughts and stories to tell the world how the Ramayana evolved, as per the ones who wrote their versions of it.
Readers who love to reflect upon universal truths and moral dilemmas are going to fall in love with this book at once. Why? It is because this book contradicts a lot of facts that readers might know about the Ramayana. It will not only allow them to learn new versions of tales from the Ramayana era but also open a space for them to explore more with the explanations added by the author and the reference to each new fact or retelling of any story from the past. Not just that, the author also glorified the references from the past, which suggest that inclusivity has been ingrained since the times of the Gods. Moreover, the loop of doing and outcome will keep reminding readers how important it is to take care of their actions, as whatever they send into the Universe is going to come back to them, supported by stories of every person who has played an integral role in the Ramayana—from Lord Ram, Sita, and Ravana to mere mortals like King Dasaratha.
The author's writing style is smooth and natural. There is no place where readers would feel that the author is trying to portray stories from the Ramayana from his point of view or impose a strong verdict about any tales he added in this eclectic and rich collection. Moreover, this book will allow readers to feel connected with their roots and, for the analytical ones, to compare the present time with the Ramayana era and understand how things have changed. The readers who grew up hearing and watching the Ramayana may come up with their opinions and find some facts and stories unrealistic, as their sentiments associated with the Ramayana may feel challenged after coming across things like Sita being Ravan's daughter, and more.
I believe this book is a must-read for everyone, as it will not only allow them to gain insights into the stories they have been hearing since their childhood but also present their own thoughts on the retellings in this book. The simple, engaging, and thought-provoking writing style will keep the readers hooked and make them feel as if they are part of the Ramayana themselves, walking through the kingdom, forests, and battlefield.
That book is worth reading to know that there are so many different versions, some even contradictory, of the Ramayana.
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