“The book moves on rapidly to a momentous climax.”
Feb 8th, 2008 by Ashok
Reader Ritu writes on her Blog:
This is the second part of Ashok K Banker’s Ramayana series. It begins like the first one, eerily as Sita has a nightmare which is quite similar to Rama’s in the first part. The book deals with Ravana’s plan to invade and annihilate the Aryavarta.
Again lots of interesting characters. The guru-shishya relationship between Rishi Vishwamitra and Rama and Lakshman is well depicted. Lakshman’s character is fleshed out well in this book. He is the analytical one, as opposed to Rama who is the aggressive one. The chapter in which they discuss how Ravana could be vanquished is extremely enlightening. The ten headed Ravana’s character is enigmatic, and he promises to be one of the most interesting characters of the series. Meanwhile, the palace politics in Ayodhya are engrossing. The hunchbacked Manthara’s nefarious schemes to eliminate Rama are gripping. Banker depicts her as the worshipper of Ravana, the Dark Lord. I hope the other books make him complex and more interesting – he’s better than Voldermort or Darth Vader. Sumitra trying to unmask Manthara, and the relationship between Kaikeyi and Manthara - all lovely elements that add to the richness of the book.
Sita is refreshing. Not the long suffering Sati Savitri or a damsel in distress. Oh no, she is a warrior princess. Fiercely independent and courageous, she is probably the best thing in the book. Definitely someone Rama or any sensible intelligent man would fall for! She is convinced that the rakshasas are preparing for an invasion, and when her deeply religious and unworldly parent does not believe her, she sets forth incognito with her trusted bodyguard Nakhudi towards the dreaded Southwoods to search for evidence to convince her parent and the Arya world. Of course they meet Rama and Lakshmana. It gives the young couple time to get to know each other. Nice touch!
The two princes along with Rishi Vishwamitra are heading towards Mithila to attend Sita’s swayamvar. Since “Janaki Kumar” and “Nakhu Dev” are also traveling to the same destination, the sage who has seen through their disguise decides that they should travel together. On the way, Sita is unmasked and Rama rescues Ahalya from her condemned existence as a stone- lovely chapter with lots of fantasy elements in it. Vishwamitra reveals that Mithila will bear the brunt of Ravana’s onslaught, and the book moves on rapidly to a momentous climax.
Banker’s writing is compelling. It is one magical ride into the world of Ramayana where fantasy meets epic meets boy-meets girl tale. The book is a whirlwind that takes us from Ayodhya to Mithila with a side trip to Lanka and Rama weds Sita.
Great reading.
