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Krishna Coriolis #3
Flute of Vrindavan
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272 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2011
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303 people want to read
About the author
Ashok K. Banker
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 19, 2020
"you are everything and everything is contained within you." terrific tales of Lord Krishna written in a very fascinating manner. 3.75/5.
September 7, 2014
The third book in the series by Ashok Banker that chronicles the life of Krishna. This volume captures his life from the time of being a baby that crawls on all fours to the time that he becomes a rascally young chap. It also captures the plight of the race of Yadavas as they move into exile to ward off the wrath of their tormentor : Kamsa.
The storyline follows the same approach as banker's previous books in the series. The life story of Krishna and Kamsa are detailed out in alternating chapters. Considering the fact that Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver his is a story that is more supernatural in nature. On the other hand, Kamsa's is a coming-of-age tale with a difference. It is this aspect of the tale that I found to be more imaginative and speaks of Banker's skill as a story teller.
A more detailed review I shall do once the series is done with.
The storyline follows the same approach as banker's previous books in the series. The life story of Krishna and Kamsa are detailed out in alternating chapters. Considering the fact that Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver his is a story that is more supernatural in nature. On the other hand, Kamsa's is a coming-of-age tale with a difference. It is this aspect of the tale that I found to be more imaginative and speaks of Banker's skill as a story teller.
A more detailed review I shall do once the series is done with.
May 28, 2012
The third book follows the path of a boyish Krishna - exploring his wilderness habitat and the monsters that chase him... the favorite tales of Krishna heard from grand parents or watched on TV are encapsulated in this volume.. Banker goes further and explores the relationship that Krishna shares with his family - immediate and community.. a fine tapestry of the great Indian legend...
September 7, 2012
This is the best of the Krishna series so far. The first two were a bit disappointing but now Ashok Banker seems to have come back. Can't wait to see if the next one lives up to its promise.
January 3, 2012
Fabulous read, Ashok Banker! Loved this one.
June 1, 2018
Indian mythology (for that matter any ancient mythology) has innumerable possibility for reinterpretation, recreation and retelling of the tale. Be it S L BHYRAPPA,, Krishna Udayasankar, Anand Neelakantan, M T Vasudevan Nair, Ashok K. Banker, Rick Riordan or Roshani Chokshi, they all do the same thing. They take the gaps in the mythology and find a compelling story to tell.
Bhagavata Purana is not new to any Indian. Every one of us have grown up listening to the stories of the naughty Krishna, the love of Yashoda Mayya, the sacrifices of Devaki and Vasudeva, we all know the story well. When I picked up the book I was both sceptical as well as enthusiastic about how the plotline is going to evolve. I know how disappointed I was with the Scion of Ikshvaku when the storyline completely went on predictable lines and presented no fresh logic. However, I was immediately plunged into the story with the lucid language and flawless writing.
Ashok's writing, as usual, is commendable. It is like the irresistible taste of the Soma Wine made from the special honey of the remarkable bees of Vrindavan. It is like the splendid mouth watering taste of Dahi and Makkhan that Krishna so loves to eat (By the way! You must read the book to know why Krishna is so thirsty for Dahi and Makkhan! Ashok does bring something new to the table here!). The familiarity of the story was not enough reason to skip a few chapters and be on the same page. The silky flow of the narrative kept pulling me back to read every word and sentence and savor the meaning carefully and for an extended period of time. It was like drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter night. The feeling is absolutely amazing!
I think, every retelling actually brings up a new logic, a fresh new point of view that connects some missing parts and answers a few unanswered questions. I think this retelling also does the same. I immensely enjoyed the "Kho Kabaddi" game that Kamsa played and imagined the whole of the scene (including background score) in my mind. I was overjoyed with the effort. They say that for a hero to grow powerful, the villain should be portrayed more powerfully. The scenes where Kamsa's strength is depicted have exactly done the same. I also read with a smile on the face, the mischief making of Krishna and Balarama. My eyes welled up with tears when Yashoda prays to little Krishna saying "Parmaatma! Please help me to help you. Please show me how to teach you the lessons of this world. Please help me to be the mother I ought to be!" What a profound prayer it is! What a powerful request! What humility, yet what authority!
When I look back and ask myself why the tears were there, then there is no answer. They were neither tears of joy nor the tears of sorrow. They were simply tears. Nothing less. Nothing more. But, I must say the writing style often is rhetorical. One can skip a few lines here and there and yet be on the same page as that of the author. At times the sentence formation is too literary. Though it is syntactically correct, it just brings one to an abrupt halt. I had to put down the book in those places and take a few breaths to come back to the book again.
If you love reading Mythology, then this book is a must read for you. If you are looking at something like the Shiva Trilogy, move on! You wont like this one.
Bhagavata Purana is not new to any Indian. Every one of us have grown up listening to the stories of the naughty Krishna, the love of Yashoda Mayya, the sacrifices of Devaki and Vasudeva, we all know the story well. When I picked up the book I was both sceptical as well as enthusiastic about how the plotline is going to evolve. I know how disappointed I was with the Scion of Ikshvaku when the storyline completely went on predictable lines and presented no fresh logic. However, I was immediately plunged into the story with the lucid language and flawless writing.
Ashok's writing, as usual, is commendable. It is like the irresistible taste of the Soma Wine made from the special honey of the remarkable bees of Vrindavan. It is like the splendid mouth watering taste of Dahi and Makkhan that Krishna so loves to eat (By the way! You must read the book to know why Krishna is so thirsty for Dahi and Makkhan! Ashok does bring something new to the table here!). The familiarity of the story was not enough reason to skip a few chapters and be on the same page. The silky flow of the narrative kept pulling me back to read every word and sentence and savor the meaning carefully and for an extended period of time. It was like drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter night. The feeling is absolutely amazing!
I think, every retelling actually brings up a new logic, a fresh new point of view that connects some missing parts and answers a few unanswered questions. I think this retelling also does the same. I immensely enjoyed the "Kho Kabaddi" game that Kamsa played and imagined the whole of the scene (including background score) in my mind. I was overjoyed with the effort. They say that for a hero to grow powerful, the villain should be portrayed more powerfully. The scenes where Kamsa's strength is depicted have exactly done the same. I also read with a smile on the face, the mischief making of Krishna and Balarama. My eyes welled up with tears when Yashoda prays to little Krishna saying "Parmaatma! Please help me to help you. Please show me how to teach you the lessons of this world. Please help me to be the mother I ought to be!" What a profound prayer it is! What a powerful request! What humility, yet what authority!
When I look back and ask myself why the tears were there, then there is no answer. They were neither tears of joy nor the tears of sorrow. They were simply tears. Nothing less. Nothing more. But, I must say the writing style often is rhetorical. One can skip a few lines here and there and yet be on the same page as that of the author. At times the sentence formation is too literary. Though it is syntactically correct, it just brings one to an abrupt halt. I had to put down the book in those places and take a few breaths to come back to the book again.
If you love reading Mythology, then this book is a must read for you. If you are looking at something like the Shiva Trilogy, move on! You wont like this one.
November 10, 2019
This Krishna Coriolis series is turning out to be quite a damp squib for me. I am wondering whether I should be reading any more parts of this. I hate to drop off a series midway. But being a fan of Ashok Banker's writing, I will take a chance and soldier on. So if you are a fan like me I suggest drop this series and invest that time in reading something better.
The only good part about 'Flute of Vrindavan' is that it is a quick read. Split into short palatable chapters the book moves along at a good pace.
However, I have two major grouses with this book
First, I really question why Ashok had to dedicate 10% of the book to Kabbadi. In an inconsequential part, Kamsa and Jarasandh's warriors lock horns in the game of kabbadi. Around 3 chapters are dedicated to this contest! Absolute waste! I skipped those chapters.
Secondly, the title, "Flute of Vrindavan" hardly does justice. It should have been called Kamsa's Kabbadi as that part has more footage than Krishna's flute.
All in all the Krishna Coriolis series so far has been extremely inconsistent. Best avoided.
The only good part about 'Flute of Vrindavan' is that it is a quick read. Split into short palatable chapters the book moves along at a good pace.
However, I have two major grouses with this book
First, I really question why Ashok had to dedicate 10% of the book to Kabbadi. In an inconsequential part, Kamsa and Jarasandh's warriors lock horns in the game of kabbadi. Around 3 chapters are dedicated to this contest! Absolute waste! I skipped those chapters.
Secondly, the title, "Flute of Vrindavan" hardly does justice. It should have been called Kamsa's Kabbadi as that part has more footage than Krishna's flute.
All in all the Krishna Coriolis series so far has been extremely inconsistent. Best avoided.
April 20, 2022
Kamsa and Jaradhandha gain more screentime on this one! Some interesting twists and turns!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
A filler book with flowery scenes and dragged out descriptions and author trying too hard. Sure, I will read the next book but this book felt so long even for its 270 pages. Did not enjoy it one bit.
August 31, 2014
This was an extremely quick read for me and continues the Krishna Coriolis story right where Dance of Govinda Dance of Govinda left off.
Putana, the only person whom Kamsa considered his true confidante and friend has fallen at the hands of infant Krishna which has been attributed to Vishnu's grace by the villagers. Jarasandha on the other hand is still not confident of his son-in-law, Kamsa's ability to rule Mathura and ensure control over the mass exodus of the Yadus. The possible nexus of the kingdoms to oppose Jarasandha's plans doesn't work in Kamsa's favor either. Kamsa decides to play his hand and sends across more of his asura assassins to take care of the little "tyke" Krishna.
Ashok Banker's ability to paint the rustic setting and the innocence of little Krishna are noteworthy. The overall pacing of the story is also well maintained. The only complaint that I have so far with this book is the lack of good editing. Some sentences and even passages are repeated over and over again to ensure that the reader grasps onto the current setting. While some other readers may not mind skimming over such short passages, I found it a little irksome and tedious. Overall, however, this book and particularly the series continue to entrance me and kudos to the author in his ability to maintain my interest considering that I grew up listening to these stories.
Definitely a worthy read for readers interested in getting enchanted by Krishna's music.
Putana, the only person whom Kamsa considered his true confidante and friend has fallen at the hands of infant Krishna which has been attributed to Vishnu's grace by the villagers. Jarasandha on the other hand is still not confident of his son-in-law, Kamsa's ability to rule Mathura and ensure control over the mass exodus of the Yadus. The possible nexus of the kingdoms to oppose Jarasandha's plans doesn't work in Kamsa's favor either. Kamsa decides to play his hand and sends across more of his asura assassins to take care of the little "tyke" Krishna.
Ashok Banker's ability to paint the rustic setting and the innocence of little Krishna are noteworthy. The overall pacing of the story is also well maintained. The only complaint that I have so far with this book is the lack of good editing. Some sentences and even passages are repeated over and over again to ensure that the reader grasps onto the current setting. While some other readers may not mind skimming over such short passages, I found it a little irksome and tedious. Overall, however, this book and particularly the series continue to entrance me and kudos to the author in his ability to maintain my interest considering that I grew up listening to these stories.
Definitely a worthy read for readers interested in getting enchanted by Krishna's music.
September 17, 2015
Best book in the series yet, this book (Book 3) is filled more with the established and popular story of Krishna then the original ones we got to read in book 1 & 2. What I have come to realize is Banker’s good at telling an already established story but when it comes to original imagination he makes blunders.
The book is more Krishna focus but the chapters are alternates between Krishna and Kamsa life. It covers the life of baby Krishan, he is naught and adorable, really enjoyed Krishna’s interaction with his mother and on her teaching him about ethics and such, being a god child and a human at the same time is fun. As for Kamsa he is shown in most humane image yet in the series.
As for the bad parts it’s with the messy plots, which I think comes from Bankers own original ideas. At one point in the story Vrindavan is described as the heart of the nation, a botanical garden and at another point it's a horrible forest. Another one is ever changing theory of why Kamsa is so special, his father being a rakshasa, him being the linage of Yadav or him having special power potions from Jarasandha.
Banker has improved a lot over the past two books and I hope he reaches the excellent form he had during his Ramayana series.
The book is more Krishna focus but the chapters are alternates between Krishna and Kamsa life. It covers the life of baby Krishan, he is naught and adorable, really enjoyed Krishna’s interaction with his mother and on her teaching him about ethics and such, being a god child and a human at the same time is fun. As for Kamsa he is shown in most humane image yet in the series.
As for the bad parts it’s with the messy plots, which I think comes from Bankers own original ideas. At one point in the story Vrindavan is described as the heart of the nation, a botanical garden and at another point it's a horrible forest. Another one is ever changing theory of why Kamsa is so special, his father being a rakshasa, him being the linage of Yadav or him having special power potions from Jarasandha.
Banker has improved a lot over the past two books and I hope he reaches the excellent form he had during his Ramayana series.
June 27, 2012
Banker's works has always engaged me.Especially for the ability to Humanise all characters. Therefore each character is a shade of grey. There are no absolutes. So what i loved the most - the fact that I didn't hate Kamsa..
And well its hard not to enjoy the "converstaions" between Yashoda & Krishna.. the God defeated by his Mortal Maatr :)
And well its hard not to enjoy the "converstaions" between Yashoda & Krishna.. the God defeated by his Mortal Maatr :)
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March 3, 2016A very well written book by Ashok Banker. Has depicted the story very well. A known story, but when presented with such beautiful finesse, can be re read again and again.. I started the series just out of curiosity and now am hooked.
Looking for the rest from this and the whole of Ramayana series.
Looking for the rest from this and the whole of Ramayana series.
February 8, 2012
Could have been pacier... and covered more ground! More detailed review here http://dappledpavement.blogspot.in/p/...
September 22, 2014
amazingly written.
cant stop turning the pages.
amish who?
cant stop turning the pages.
amish who?
December 29, 2014
It was a good read.Excited about reading the next part.Really nice to see how Banker tries to empathize with negative characters like Kamsa,and one cannot but admire his work.
September 9, 2017
Just completed the Krishna Coriolis Book 3. Every part is a wonderful experience and taking the reader to a mystic world. A must read series.
September 17, 2016
lovely book... a good read for Krsna leela lovers.
March 16, 2014
Brilliant book. A little slower in the series though, but we finally see Kamsa develop.
August 18, 2014
Still better than the last two.
January 4, 2015
Great book, fantastic series. Love the way Banker has described Krishna growing up in Vrindavan
July 28, 2015
Jai sri Krishna.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews