Govinda (The Aryavarta Chronicle #1) by Krishna Udayasankar-A book Review

A compelling read
ISBN: 9350094460
Edition Language: English
Publish Date: July 2012 by Hachette India
Page Count: 458

I have become a fan of theology and mythology lately and love reading books which give an alternative perspective to the mainstream mythology of India.

The story begins in the past and showcase how it is disintegrating from within and needed a transformation. The machinations of the Firewrights had led to the ruination of the Matsya Kingdom. The age long battle of Firewrights and the first born has been depicted in great details and how each one wants to take a piece of each’s life.

These two groups have divided the kingdoms of India into two, one supporting the Firewrights and one supporting the first born. Things become ugly for Firewrights.
The story begins with Govinda Shauri, the crown prince of Yadu kingdom and many consider him an enigma. The characters are not divine and are just ordinary humans who have done some extra ordinary things in their life and that’s the beauty of alternate theology. Panchali, the princess, is not a supine character as shown in Mahabharata and has been shown as an intelligent person with strong dignity and feministic characteristic.

Krishna Udaysankar has not curtained away from playing with the names of the characters and has given them the name, they are lesser known as.

Shinkandin, which we have seen as half man and half woman is shown as a fearsome warrior, but someone who is not taken seriously by his own father and many others.
As the story progresses we see the planning, plotting and scheming of Govinda while he pilots the five brothers to the throne of Aryavarta. The lust of Arjuna for Panchali, the sensuality she oozes out and her inclination towards Govinda is a treat to read as it gives another perspective to what we have read and understood. The story is well paced and doesn’t get boring. Though, the usage of words pushes you to wait and absorb the scene before moving ahead.

The story runs in grey, with not even a single character having a shade of black or white, which makes it even more interesting. The compelling read and for sure forces you to think beyond the visuals you have seen on the television.

Rating time:

Disclaimer: The rating is based on my personal thinking and can vary person to person. The scoring has been done out of five. I believe each book is readable and imparts knowledge irrespective of the rating. Though, the rating can make your choices easier and can save you from making some good choices from better choices in your reading life cycle.

Plot and narrative stamina: 3.5       
Stylistic Invention: 3.5
Craftsmanship: 4.0
Characters: 4.5
Credible Dialogue: 3.0


Overall: 4.0

To understand the meaning of above rating criteria, you can refer to my previous book reviews:
The Mahabharata Quest
The Mahabharata Secret
The Krishna Key
The Rozabal Line
Chanakya's Chant


Comments

  1. Unknown13 August 2017 at 05:40

    Good job our very own Bulba

    ReplyDelete
  2. parwatisingari14 August 2017 at 08:07

    I think we did discuss this before. can you kind of emphasis on the analysis that you put in at the end of your reviewing it tends to get eaten up Your analysis is very sound and articulate. BTW my take on Govinda .https://kitabikida.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/a-bard-retells/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mrigank Singhal15 August 2017 at 18:10

    Even I wanted to do that but my current schedule is not allowing me to write and analyse much (MBA is hectic :P). As soon as I get free from this, will give more time to my primary love-BOOKS.
    Thanks Sharmila, and not to forget...long time no see!

    ReplyDelete

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