What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Vows: The Mahabharata Trilogy Volume 1
This is the first part of a trilogy on the Mahabharata. Grounded in the original Sanskrit epic, Majmudar recreates the ancient epic for a contemporary audience. It is his finest work yet and is one of the most accessible, magical and unputdownable retellings of the Mahabharata. The Book of Vows will be followed by The Book of Discoveries and The Book of Killings.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2023
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Amit Majmudar
33 books108 followersAmit Majmudar is the author of The Abundance, Partitions, chosen by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best debut novels of 2011 and by Booklist as one of the year’s ten best works of historical fiction. His poetry has been published in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Best American Poetry 2011. A radiologist, he lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 21, 2023
4.5 stars
“Don’t you hear her screams, my king? Don’t you hear her?”
“Bhishma, from this chair of mine, I hear a sea bird. Do you?” - (A dialogue between Vidura and Dhritarashtra during the disrobing of Panchali)
Everything begins with a vow. I vow to review “The Book of Vows”- Volume 1, with all my sincerity, respect and perceived truth of it. The book begins with a vow. It ends with one.
The author gives a much required introduction to answer several lingering questions in my head : Why should I read Mahabharata? Hasn’t enough versions & interpretations been written already? How is this any different? Except for the last question which was almost immediately answered at the end of the first chapter, the other two questions needed to be answered. Without the answers, it was impossible for me to rouse myself to read this seemingly uninteresting book. I’m glad that they were answered that I could read this book on a voracious spree.
The book is divided in 9 sequences which are subdivided to 30 sargas in total. Each sequence is a summary of what is to occur in Majmudar’s telling of Mahabharata. They are filled with spoilers, yet cannot substitute for cultural immersion, as the author says. Rather, they help the reader in acquainting with what to expect. Every time I read these summaries, it got me excited for the events that were to unfold. As I attempt reviewing, I am battling the dilemma of writing about the how the book is written versus what is written. Both worth discussing & appreciating.
I have heard tales of Mahabharata from my grandmother as a child, watched television adaptations as a kid, read abridged versions as a teenager. But as an adult, I had read “Jaya” by Devdutt Patnaik which left me with more questions than answers. Reading “The Book of Vows”, felt like re-arranging the jigsaw puzzles of my passive memory to make sense of the impending war of wars and the backstory behind. The book ends with the roll of dice, disrobing of a woman and yes, a vow. As I flipped the last page, which forebodes the beginning of the end, I can fully assure that I can’t wait for Majmudar’s remaining 2 volumes of the Mahabharata trilogy.
“Don’t you hear her screams, my king? Don’t you hear her?”
“Bhishma, from this chair of mine, I hear a sea bird. Do you?” - (A dialogue between Vidura and Dhritarashtra during the disrobing of Panchali)
Everything begins with a vow. I vow to review “The Book of Vows”- Volume 1, with all my sincerity, respect and perceived truth of it. The book begins with a vow. It ends with one.
The author gives a much required introduction to answer several lingering questions in my head : Why should I read Mahabharata? Hasn’t enough versions & interpretations been written already? How is this any different? Except for the last question which was almost immediately answered at the end of the first chapter, the other two questions needed to be answered. Without the answers, it was impossible for me to rouse myself to read this seemingly uninteresting book. I’m glad that they were answered that I could read this book on a voracious spree.
The book is divided in 9 sequences which are subdivided to 30 sargas in total. Each sequence is a summary of what is to occur in Majmudar’s telling of Mahabharata. They are filled with spoilers, yet cannot substitute for cultural immersion, as the author says. Rather, they help the reader in acquainting with what to expect. Every time I read these summaries, it got me excited for the events that were to unfold. As I attempt reviewing, I am battling the dilemma of writing about the how the book is written versus what is written. Both worth discussing & appreciating.
I have heard tales of Mahabharata from my grandmother as a child, watched television adaptations as a kid, read abridged versions as a teenager. But as an adult, I had read “Jaya” by Devdutt Patnaik which left me with more questions than answers. Reading “The Book of Vows”, felt like re-arranging the jigsaw puzzles of my passive memory to make sense of the impending war of wars and the backstory behind. The book ends with the roll of dice, disrobing of a woman and yes, a vow. As I flipped the last page, which forebodes the beginning of the end, I can fully assure that I can’t wait for Majmudar’s remaining 2 volumes of the Mahabharata trilogy.
September 16, 2023
Growing up, there were countless instances, lines, and dialogues of the Mahabharata being quoted by my mother on various occasions. My usual reaction to it was curiosity. My head tilted to one side as I was trying to comprehend what she just mentioned and explained to me with narrowed eyes. I was always curious about the epic that has come to define our culture and country. But I was never overtly interested in it. Now that’s a direct contradiction. You would probably ask with a raised brow Excuse me? You just said you were curious, and now you say you were not interested? I said, overtly. Let me explain.
The first time I tried to get closer to the Mahabharata, it was from Amar Chitra Katha and was divided into six or maybe more volumes. I was a kid, and I was already scared to see each volume as a tome. The first page of the first volume began like this: This is someone’s father, and this someone is the father of another someone. The new someone is the husband of so and so and the father of this someone, and it went on and on. My head simply stopped taking in the list of introductions. My little head was too scared to move on to the next page at this point. I stopped reading and, dejected, put the book back.
Cut to September 2023, I am 23 years old now, but that incident still makes me feel uneasy. I was looking for a more gentle read of the epic that would help me ease into the flow, just as my mother used to ease me into the pond, and I mapped its depth, gently flailing my arms, and then swam with help and then with none at all. Reading The Book of Vows felt akin to it.
The title is symbolic of the contents of this book. It begins with three vows: Amit Majumdar vows to retell it for the contemporary masses because he and his ancestors have lived through it and it is their ‘dharma’ to do so; I vowed to read the Mahabharata, and this is my way of doing it, and Prince Devavrat vows to remain celibate for his father’s sake, for his mortal human love for him. The stint of vows doesn't end there. It goes on and on. One vow snowballs into another and leaves me on a cliffhanger at the end, even though I know what Volume II will sing.
Amit Majumdar’s voice is unique. A fresh spin on the epic is presented with creative liberty. Yes, this may not be the epic in its raw material, but it has always been told through a conduit, a speaker, and Amit Majumdar does it well. Don’t miss the introduction. I request it. He makes it contemporary enough for us to understand. For some, it may be too modern because of the language used. For me, it was good. It eased me into the flow—the current that guides you through the epic.
The flow is not convoluted but extremely smooth, sweet, and serene. In a week, I had completed reading the book, and I could not stop, even once, to pick up any other. Usually, I read 2 to 3 books together, but this book demanded my attention - a siren song I could not block my ears to. I had to read it after all; a vow is a vow. This book single-handedly held me tight, and I accepted the tight embrace in return.
All I could fathom was a Kaleidoscope - beautiful patterns all structured seamlessly and beautifully so that you could keep your eyes on it and nothing would sting, not even your eyes.
I have finally kept a part of my vow and fulfilled it. I earnestly wait for Volume II now. Until then, I will wait this exile out, just like the Pandavas.
The first time I tried to get closer to the Mahabharata, it was from Amar Chitra Katha and was divided into six or maybe more volumes. I was a kid, and I was already scared to see each volume as a tome. The first page of the first volume began like this: This is someone’s father, and this someone is the father of another someone. The new someone is the husband of so and so and the father of this someone, and it went on and on. My head simply stopped taking in the list of introductions. My little head was too scared to move on to the next page at this point. I stopped reading and, dejected, put the book back.
Cut to September 2023, I am 23 years old now, but that incident still makes me feel uneasy. I was looking for a more gentle read of the epic that would help me ease into the flow, just as my mother used to ease me into the pond, and I mapped its depth, gently flailing my arms, and then swam with help and then with none at all. Reading The Book of Vows felt akin to it.
The title is symbolic of the contents of this book. It begins with three vows: Amit Majumdar vows to retell it for the contemporary masses because he and his ancestors have lived through it and it is their ‘dharma’ to do so; I vowed to read the Mahabharata, and this is my way of doing it, and Prince Devavrat vows to remain celibate for his father’s sake, for his mortal human love for him. The stint of vows doesn't end there. It goes on and on. One vow snowballs into another and leaves me on a cliffhanger at the end, even though I know what Volume II will sing.
Amit Majumdar’s voice is unique. A fresh spin on the epic is presented with creative liberty. Yes, this may not be the epic in its raw material, but it has always been told through a conduit, a speaker, and Amit Majumdar does it well. Don’t miss the introduction. I request it. He makes it contemporary enough for us to understand. For some, it may be too modern because of the language used. For me, it was good. It eased me into the flow—the current that guides you through the epic.
The flow is not convoluted but extremely smooth, sweet, and serene. In a week, I had completed reading the book, and I could not stop, even once, to pick up any other. Usually, I read 2 to 3 books together, but this book demanded my attention - a siren song I could not block my ears to. I had to read it after all; a vow is a vow. This book single-handedly held me tight, and I accepted the tight embrace in return.
All I could fathom was a Kaleidoscope - beautiful patterns all structured seamlessly and beautifully so that you could keep your eyes on it and nothing would sting, not even your eyes.
I have finally kept a part of my vow and fulfilled it. I earnestly wait for Volume II now. Until then, I will wait this exile out, just like the Pandavas.
October 11, 2023
During my childhood, Sunday mornings at 10 am were eagerly awaited as we tuned in to watch the Mahabharata on Doordarshan. It held special significance for me because of my deep fascination with mythology, and I eagerly anticipated the unfolding of events in the epic Kurukshetra war.
Since those days, my interest in the Mahabharata had waned due to various distractions, but it was rekindled when The Book of Vows landed in my hands. I was captivated by this first volume in a trilogy that beautifully retells the ancient epic poem, Mahabharata.
What struck me was the accessibility of the language, making it understandable even for someone with no prior knowledge of Indian Mythology. I appreciated the inclusion of brief summaries at the beginning of each part and quick character introductions, ensuring there was no room for confusion as the narrative unfolded.
Some interesting facts I learnt -
One hundred Kauravas were born to King Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. She gave birth to a lump that was cut into one hundred and one pieces and placed into pots with butter. These pots produced one hundred sons and a daughter named Dussala.
Draupadi was born as a fully formed adult, from a yajna (fire sacrifice) organized by King Drupad.
Various such nuggets of knowledge which were previously unknown to me made the book interesting.
For anyone seeking to delve deeper into the Mahabharata, this trilogy serves as an excellent starting point. Its engaging and seamlessly flowing storyline, coupled with a contemporary language style, helped me resolve many of my questions and uncertainties.
Since those days, my interest in the Mahabharata had waned due to various distractions, but it was rekindled when The Book of Vows landed in my hands. I was captivated by this first volume in a trilogy that beautifully retells the ancient epic poem, Mahabharata.
What struck me was the accessibility of the language, making it understandable even for someone with no prior knowledge of Indian Mythology. I appreciated the inclusion of brief summaries at the beginning of each part and quick character introductions, ensuring there was no room for confusion as the narrative unfolded.
Some interesting facts I learnt -
One hundred Kauravas were born to King Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. She gave birth to a lump that was cut into one hundred and one pieces and placed into pots with butter. These pots produced one hundred sons and a daughter named Dussala.
Draupadi was born as a fully formed adult, from a yajna (fire sacrifice) organized by King Drupad.
Various such nuggets of knowledge which were previously unknown to me made the book interesting.
For anyone seeking to delve deeper into the Mahabharata, this trilogy serves as an excellent starting point. Its engaging and seamlessly flowing storyline, coupled with a contemporary language style, helped me resolve many of my questions and uncertainties.
October 1, 2023
Being someone who loves reading Indian history this book is like refreshing the events I have always heard about. Loved the way Amit narrates it. The nail-biting narrative and engrossing writing style keep the readers invested in. While he keeps it candid and to the point, making it easy for the readers, he leaves no stone unturned, narrating every event in detail.
While he refreshes our memory by sharing the events that happened, there are many unheard stories that you will find here, something that was exciting for me. Be it Eklavya’s sacrifice or Arjuna’s bond with Krishna, the details here will make it exciting for the readers. Dramatic and candid, that’s how this book is. Amit keeps it fast-paced, fun, and compelling. Especially the way he described the Gambling match setting a perfect stage for the next two books.
Book 2 takes through the thirteen years of exile of the Pandavas, their struggles and their comeback, The beginning of the great war, and the singing of the Bhagavad Gita which I am excited to read especially in Amit’s way. Book 3 takes us to the war of Kurukshetra, the killing and the realizations, the Vows being fulfilled, and its aftermath. Brilliant, enchanting, and to the point, Amit Majumdar retells Mahabharata in a modern and captivating way while keeping the ancient charm alive. If you love reading Indian History or want to read Mahabharata, this is undoubtedly the book to start with. Can’t wait for the next two parts.
Not to forget the impressive cover that has my heart.
While he refreshes our memory by sharing the events that happened, there are many unheard stories that you will find here, something that was exciting for me. Be it Eklavya’s sacrifice or Arjuna’s bond with Krishna, the details here will make it exciting for the readers. Dramatic and candid, that’s how this book is. Amit keeps it fast-paced, fun, and compelling. Especially the way he described the Gambling match setting a perfect stage for the next two books.
Book 2 takes through the thirteen years of exile of the Pandavas, their struggles and their comeback, The beginning of the great war, and the singing of the Bhagavad Gita which I am excited to read especially in Amit’s way. Book 3 takes us to the war of Kurukshetra, the killing and the realizations, the Vows being fulfilled, and its aftermath. Brilliant, enchanting, and to the point, Amit Majumdar retells Mahabharata in a modern and captivating way while keeping the ancient charm alive. If you love reading Indian History or want to read Mahabharata, this is undoubtedly the book to start with. Can’t wait for the next two parts.
Not to forget the impressive cover that has my heart.
September 26, 2023
The Mahabharata is not just a story about war. It's a story about the human condition. It's about love, loss, duty, fate, and the power of choice.🌏🪷
🍁Hey, I just finished reading The Book of Vows by Amit Majmudar and I absolutely loved it! It's the first part of a trilogy on the Mahabharata. He does a masterful job of recreating the ancient epic for a contemporary audience, making it both accessible and magical.
🍁I have to say, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's a retelling of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, but it is not your typical retelling. Majmudar does a brilliant job of grounding the story in the original Sanskrit epic, while also making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
🍁It is said that everything that can happen in life has happened in the Mahabharata. No wonder then that the centuries old epic is still as relevant today as it has always been.
🍁Majmudar's writing is beautiful and lyrical. He really brings the characters and the story to life.
🍁The book is full of interesting details about the Mahabharata that I didn't know before.
🍁The book is thought-provoking and raises some important questions about life, death, and the meaning of it all.
🍁If you're a fan of mythology, history, or just good storytelling, then I highly recommend The Book of Vows. It's a truly unforgettable read.
🍁Hey, I just finished reading The Book of Vows by Amit Majmudar and I absolutely loved it! It's the first part of a trilogy on the Mahabharata. He does a masterful job of recreating the ancient epic for a contemporary audience, making it both accessible and magical.
🍁I have to say, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's a retelling of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, but it is not your typical retelling. Majmudar does a brilliant job of grounding the story in the original Sanskrit epic, while also making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
🍁It is said that everything that can happen in life has happened in the Mahabharata. No wonder then that the centuries old epic is still as relevant today as it has always been.
🍁Majmudar's writing is beautiful and lyrical. He really brings the characters and the story to life.
🍁The book is full of interesting details about the Mahabharata that I didn't know before.
🍁The book is thought-provoking and raises some important questions about life, death, and the meaning of it all.
🍁If you're a fan of mythology, history, or just good storytelling, then I highly recommend The Book of Vows. It's a truly unforgettable read.
October 14, 2023
🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒐𝒘𝒔
Being a Millennial kid, our Sunday holidays were akin to Mahabharata / Ramayana. It used to be our ritual for the weekend. But how a small kid will retain and understand the dynamics of multiple characters of this epic. And I always draw towards to learn more about this epic. A few years back, I had read retelling of this epic, and I enjoyed it. When I saw this book, I was well aware of this. I'm going to read this.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒐𝒘𝒔, has been written in a way of retelling but in a contemporary way. The book has eased out the complexities of the epic and takes you to the surreal ride of Mahabharata! How this has been started and what was the reason?
The author has given importance to such minute details, which indeed help the reader sail through this epic in such a breathable manner. The book starts with an introduction to the character and how a vow becomes the reason to initiate this entire episode. The book has been segregated into small chapters to flip through it.
Although I have read retelling before as well , I loved the fresh take by the author.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒐𝒘𝒔
Being a Millennial kid, our Sunday holidays were akin to Mahabharata / Ramayana. It used to be our ritual for the weekend. But how a small kid will retain and understand the dynamics of multiple characters of this epic. And I always draw towards to learn more about this epic. A few years back, I had read retelling of this epic, and I enjoyed it. When I saw this book, I was well aware of this. I'm going to read this.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑽𝒐𝒘𝒔, has been written in a way of retelling but in a contemporary way. The book has eased out the complexities of the epic and takes you to the surreal ride of Mahabharata! How this has been started and what was the reason?
The author has given importance to such minute details, which indeed help the reader sail through this epic in such a breathable manner. The book starts with an introduction to the character and how a vow becomes the reason to initiate this entire episode. The book has been segregated into small chapters to flip through it.
Although I have read retelling before as well , I loved the fresh take by the author.
February 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, the first in a trilogy that sets out to retell the Mahabharata epic. I enjoyed the style in which the author chose to tell the tale. It's not a play by play dramatization and neither does it go on to explore individual characters arcs. It's a retelling of the epic tale in English and how do you do that without butchering the story we all grew up with and already know? He does it with finesse managing to convey situations, emotions, trickery and tragedy quite well. He manages to preserve the overall tone of the story that you grow up hearing/listening to/watching on tv. There have probably been a slew of retellings and explorations over the last few years.. and that is admitted not my genre but this one was definitely something worth reading - especially considering how I probably haven't thought about the mahabharata in a good number of years. It makes for a good read as an adult also, because as a kid I remembered only bits and pieces and the scale of the whole thing had not registered. The only down side is that the other two books are yet to be published (or written perhaps, as this came out only last year).
December 21, 2024
What a magnificent peak into the surreal world of Mahabharat! This is not an adaptation, or a reimagination, or even a fanfic spinoff. It is, quite simply, a sincere retelling of the iconic epic with a lavish sprinkling of creative licences from time to time.
I love this title for its nuance. In stark contrast to The Ramayan, the Mahabharat prides itself for the moral ambiguities - for heroes who are flawed and villains who are humanized; for an unjust world riddled with favouritism for the chosen ones, even when worthier candidates exist. The world we live in isn't fair or just, nor is the world of Mahabharat. Growing up, it is this nuance that I didnt quite notice in the magnum opus TV production that most 90s kids grew up watching.
In the end, I inhaled this book and can't wait to savour the following helpings of the trilogy.
I love this title for its nuance. In stark contrast to The Ramayan, the Mahabharat prides itself for the moral ambiguities - for heroes who are flawed and villains who are humanized; for an unjust world riddled with favouritism for the chosen ones, even when worthier candidates exist. The world we live in isn't fair or just, nor is the world of Mahabharat. Growing up, it is this nuance that I didnt quite notice in the magnum opus TV production that most 90s kids grew up watching.
In the end, I inhaled this book and can't wait to savour the following helpings of the trilogy.
September 13, 2023
Poetic, sagacious and stirring — the greatest epic never fails to wow me, despite having consumed it in multiple forms.
I don't think I can ever get enough of Mahabharat, and I certainly can't wait to pick the volumes 2 & 3 right off the shelves when they come out.
While the epic is not a new story, the book makes you feel like you're reading the series we grew up watching on our TVs. Unlike what we might have read/seen before, it gives a moment of pause between every new phase in the story in the form of a summary. For the unfamiliar minds, this would be a good point to understand the complicated characters, their relationships with each other and brief of what to expect next.
Definitely a must read for anyone who is deeply intrigued by the epic.
I don't think I can ever get enough of Mahabharat, and I certainly can't wait to pick the volumes 2 & 3 right off the shelves when they come out.
While the epic is not a new story, the book makes you feel like you're reading the series we grew up watching on our TVs. Unlike what we might have read/seen before, it gives a moment of pause between every new phase in the story in the form of a summary. For the unfamiliar minds, this would be a good point to understand the complicated characters, their relationships with each other and brief of what to expect next.
Definitely a must read for anyone who is deeply intrigued by the epic.
July 11, 2024
The Book of Vows is a book of discoveries and clever re-imagination. Amit Majmudar has recreated a Mahabharata for a contemporary audience in a three part series emphasising its everlasting relevance in life and living.
(Can’t wait for the following volumes!)
Volume 1, is divided into 9 sequences which are further divided into 30 sargas detailing the events in a crisp and forthright tone of narration. This book is written unlike any other re-imagined or retold version, what intrigues is the magnanimity of the experiences discovered through this book through a rather unconventional choice of words.
I’ve quite enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it, its quick pace makes it a total winner for a grand plot that is full of guidance, if one wishes to learn.
(Can’t wait for the following volumes!)
Volume 1, is divided into 9 sequences which are further divided into 30 sargas detailing the events in a crisp and forthright tone of narration. This book is written unlike any other re-imagined or retold version, what intrigues is the magnanimity of the experiences discovered through this book through a rather unconventional choice of words.
I’ve quite enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it, its quick pace makes it a total winner for a grand plot that is full of guidance, if one wishes to learn.
October 6, 2023
#bookhoarderreviews
A retelling of one of the greatest epics, the Mahabharat, the Book of Vows is the first part of a trilogy. The book presents an interesting perspective on how it all began with a vow.
Due to the familiarity with the epic and the characters, I found it to be a quick read. The narration was interesting and I loved the contemporary retelling of the epic.
The book has been divided into small chapters which enhance the readability and understanding of the different perspectives presented in the book. The language is easy and the author maintains a lucid flow making the book a great read for beginners in the genre as well.
October 21, 2023
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PERFECT! I cannot define this book any better, I guess.
Since my childhood, I have come across Ramayana and its characters multiple times. However, I failed to take much interest in the characters of Mahabharata because of the apparent complexity of the family tree. I came across this book at a bookstore and impulsively bought it just to give a fair shot at understanding Mahabharata and its characters. To my surprise, I could not put this book down. The lucid language, narration, and story-writing skills of the author really captivated me. Anyone who takes an interest in mythology even remotely will enjoy this, and I highly recommend it.
PERFECT! I cannot define this book any better, I guess.
Since my childhood, I have come across Ramayana and its characters multiple times. However, I failed to take much interest in the characters of Mahabharata because of the apparent complexity of the family tree. I came across this book at a bookstore and impulsively bought it just to give a fair shot at understanding Mahabharata and its characters. To my surprise, I could not put this book down. The lucid language, narration, and story-writing skills of the author really captivated me. Anyone who takes an interest in mythology even remotely will enjoy this, and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews