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Angria
Kanhoji Angre is born to Tukoji Sankhpal, keeper of the Suvarnadurg Fort for Shivaji, emperor of the Marathas. A child of the seas, Kanhoji is as much at home in the turbulent waters of Konkan as in the forts and forests of the Desha mainland.
But the enemies of their empire are never too far away.
The Mughals are in constant battle with the Marathas on land, while the Siddis and the newly arrived Portuguese threaten to destroy them at sea. There’s also the British East India Company who have arrived as traders and settled on the island of Kulaba, paying taxes to Kanhoji.
Kanhoji must rise above conspiracy, deceit, war and family politics to become the Samudratala Shivaji—‘Shivaji of the Seas’.
An astounding debut, Angria is the tale of one of history’s most feared naval commanders. Amid the smell of gunpowder and salt, Sohail Rekhy brings to life a momentous era when the war for swaraj was fought on the seas of India and when only one man stood between the firangis and the Desha. This is the chronicle of a hero whose story has been lost to the waves of time.
But the enemies of their empire are never too far away.
The Mughals are in constant battle with the Marathas on land, while the Siddis and the newly arrived Portuguese threaten to destroy them at sea. There’s also the British East India Company who have arrived as traders and settled on the island of Kulaba, paying taxes to Kanhoji.
Kanhoji must rise above conspiracy, deceit, war and family politics to become the Samudratala Shivaji—‘Shivaji of the Seas’.
An astounding debut, Angria is the tale of one of history’s most feared naval commanders. Amid the smell of gunpowder and salt, Sohail Rekhy brings to life a momentous era when the war for swaraj was fought on the seas of India and when only one man stood between the firangis and the Desha. This is the chronicle of a hero whose story has been lost to the waves of time.
464 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
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April 26, 2024
On September 15th, 1951, the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy was christened INS Angre, in homage to one of the most gallant figures in Indian Ocean history: Sarkhel-Subedar Kanhoji Angre, often dubbed a “notorious pirate.”
The image of Angria as being a plunderer had persisted for centuries. Yet, a naval commander being a pirate does not fit well into the common understanding. That is because it is yet another product of colonial insecurity emerging out of the evident valour of the Samudratala Shivaji or the Shivaji of the Seas, as has been the case for many other groups and individual figures.
Sohail Rekhy, the author of Angria: A Historical Odyssey, said in an interview:
“I was researching piracy on the western coast of India when I first came across the legend of Kanhoji Angre. It was a colonial description of him as a pirate. Further research astounded me on two levels: first, despite being a diligent student of South Asian history, I had not heard of Kanhoji Angre and second, an accepted narrative that had painted him a privateer for over 300 years had persisted. Both shocked me. … I wanted to address these issues, and having grown up in those environs, I found the flora-fauna, geography, and gastronomy well established in my imagination.”
True to his words, he crafts a tale that is a curious blend of fact and fiction in Angria. Set in the turbulent period when the Mughals killed for the Peacock Throne, the House of Bhonsles stood divided, and the Firangees threatened to usurp the Konkan for their Monarchs, it captures well the instabilities and volatilities so ingrained in the era.
During the rule of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle, Kanhoji was born to Tukoji Sankhpal and Ambabai. This child, favoured by the gods, would grow up to be a true reflection of his spiritual master Shivaji, uniting the various socio-economic and political factions under his command. Angria also adds to the historical representations and portrays him as a man capable enough to carve out his own kingdom out of the Konkan, yet loyal enough to have sworn his allegiance to a “suspicious” ward of his emperor, Chhatrapati Rajaram, successor to Sambhaji Bhonsle. The child grows up following in his father’s footsteps and turns into an admiral loved as much as his people as he was feared by his adversaries. From his childhood as the son of a killedar (keeper) of the Suvarnadurg fort, to his rise to unparalleled fame and power, to his being hailed as Konkan cha Raja, the author has captured the journey faithfully, thanks to his extensive research.
Rekhy’s saga is highly immersive and brings the Konkan to life in all the glory of its golden age. Part of it is due to the highly descriptive prose that the writer employs and the stark imagery that it results in. He is efficient with his words; he gives enough cues to fill in the essential details and leaves much to his readers’ knowledge, instincts, and imaginations to fill in, displaying a sense of trust in the audience. A pleasant surprise to the reader is the scope that the book covers. As the narrative unfolds, one is introduced to more characters and locations than initially expected, and that is when they realise the grand scope of the book. The resulting narrative therefore has a cinematic touch and flows fairly smoothly, though the timeline sees unsteady progress sometimes. Additionally, the choreography of various notable battles, especially those on the sea, combines adrenaline-inducing action with historical accuracy and is well done. The historical characters are painted similarly as well, except the one known as Brahmendra Swami, who is a fictitious character seemingly painted in the image of Nitish Bhardwaj’s Krishna from the 1988 “Mahabharata” TV Series (dir. Ravi Chopra). The intention here seems to be a subsequent screen adaptation, which would require a revision of the stakes that have been slightly underplayed in the book.
The use of straightforward dialogues and contemporary language for the most part brings an ease of comprehension necessary for a plot so complex. The shifts in perspectives in the book as each chapter progresses are made clear by the well-captured accents of the various factions of the Konkan and beyond that find representation in Angria. There remain a few inconsistencies, however, in punctuation which at times hinder the comprehension of the reader, especially when more than two people have conversations.
The only noticeable representations of Angre have been as a character in “Assassins’ Creed: Pirates” and in a character called Sambhajee, a reference to his son, in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”. Hence, Sohail Rekhy’s work, Angria: A Historical Odyssey, stands as a comprehensive portrayal of Angre, noticeably absent from mainstream media.
The image of Angria as being a plunderer had persisted for centuries. Yet, a naval commander being a pirate does not fit well into the common understanding. That is because it is yet another product of colonial insecurity emerging out of the evident valour of the Samudratala Shivaji or the Shivaji of the Seas, as has been the case for many other groups and individual figures.
Sohail Rekhy, the author of Angria: A Historical Odyssey, said in an interview:
“I was researching piracy on the western coast of India when I first came across the legend of Kanhoji Angre. It was a colonial description of him as a pirate. Further research astounded me on two levels: first, despite being a diligent student of South Asian history, I had not heard of Kanhoji Angre and second, an accepted narrative that had painted him a privateer for over 300 years had persisted. Both shocked me. … I wanted to address these issues, and having grown up in those environs, I found the flora-fauna, geography, and gastronomy well established in my imagination.”
True to his words, he crafts a tale that is a curious blend of fact and fiction in Angria. Set in the turbulent period when the Mughals killed for the Peacock Throne, the House of Bhonsles stood divided, and the Firangees threatened to usurp the Konkan for their Monarchs, it captures well the instabilities and volatilities so ingrained in the era.
During the rule of the legendary Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle, Kanhoji was born to Tukoji Sankhpal and Ambabai. This child, favoured by the gods, would grow up to be a true reflection of his spiritual master Shivaji, uniting the various socio-economic and political factions under his command. Angria also adds to the historical representations and portrays him as a man capable enough to carve out his own kingdom out of the Konkan, yet loyal enough to have sworn his allegiance to a “suspicious” ward of his emperor, Chhatrapati Rajaram, successor to Sambhaji Bhonsle. The child grows up following in his father’s footsteps and turns into an admiral loved as much as his people as he was feared by his adversaries. From his childhood as the son of a killedar (keeper) of the Suvarnadurg fort, to his rise to unparalleled fame and power, to his being hailed as Konkan cha Raja, the author has captured the journey faithfully, thanks to his extensive research.
Rekhy’s saga is highly immersive and brings the Konkan to life in all the glory of its golden age. Part of it is due to the highly descriptive prose that the writer employs and the stark imagery that it results in. He is efficient with his words; he gives enough cues to fill in the essential details and leaves much to his readers’ knowledge, instincts, and imaginations to fill in, displaying a sense of trust in the audience. A pleasant surprise to the reader is the scope that the book covers. As the narrative unfolds, one is introduced to more characters and locations than initially expected, and that is when they realise the grand scope of the book. The resulting narrative therefore has a cinematic touch and flows fairly smoothly, though the timeline sees unsteady progress sometimes. Additionally, the choreography of various notable battles, especially those on the sea, combines adrenaline-inducing action with historical accuracy and is well done. The historical characters are painted similarly as well, except the one known as Brahmendra Swami, who is a fictitious character seemingly painted in the image of Nitish Bhardwaj’s Krishna from the 1988 “Mahabharata” TV Series (dir. Ravi Chopra). The intention here seems to be a subsequent screen adaptation, which would require a revision of the stakes that have been slightly underplayed in the book.
The use of straightforward dialogues and contemporary language for the most part brings an ease of comprehension necessary for a plot so complex. The shifts in perspectives in the book as each chapter progresses are made clear by the well-captured accents of the various factions of the Konkan and beyond that find representation in Angria. There remain a few inconsistencies, however, in punctuation which at times hinder the comprehension of the reader, especially when more than two people have conversations.
The only noticeable representations of Angre have been as a character in “Assassins’ Creed: Pirates” and in a character called Sambhajee, a reference to his son, in “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”. Hence, Sohail Rekhy’s work, Angria: A Historical Odyssey, stands as a comprehensive portrayal of Angre, noticeably absent from mainstream media.
June 26, 2025
When I first picked up Angria: A Historical Odyssey by Sohail Rekhy, I was immediately drawn to its striking cover of a lone Maratha ship braving tumultuous seas. As someone fascinated by India’s maritime history but who had never delved deeply into Kanhoji Angre’s life, I approached the novel with curiosity and a touch of skepticism—could a debut novelist truly bring this “Shivaji of the Seas” to vivid life? Within the opening chapters, I found myself wholly captivated by Rekhy’s ability to transport me to the breezy, salt-scented forts dotting the Konkan coast of the early 1700s.
Immersive Narrative and World‑Building
From the first scene at Suvarnadurg Fort, I was swept away by the immersive world Rekhy constructs. He masterfully layers the geography, weather, and everyday life of coastal Maharashtra—down to the taste of kokum saar and the calls of temple bells at dawn. I found the frequent shifts between deck‑hand scrimmages and courtly intrigue refreshingly dynamic; every locale felt so tangible that I could almost feel the spray of the Arabian Sea on my face. As a reader, I appreciated how this novel balances sweeping sea‑battle panoramas with intimate port‑city vignettes.
Complex Characters and Relationships
Rekhy’s portrayal of Kanhoji Angre evolves naturally across the narrative. I witnessed his transformation—from a dutiful fort keeper’s son eager to prove his mettle, to a shrewd admiral deftly outmaneuvering European powers. I was particularly moved by Angre’s loyalty to his crew and his fraught relationship with his brothers and rivals. Secondary characters—such as the stoic Giri, the curious Portuguese trader Anaïs, and the cunning Siddi commander—each left a lasting impression. I found their dialogues and fleeting alliances added emotional depth that kept me invested beyond mere naval tactics.
Historical Authenticity and Research
As someone who values historical fidelity, I was heartened to learn Rekhy’s research spanned Asiatic Society archives, interviews with Angre’s descendants, and extensive fort visits. His meticulous footwork shows: when Angre negotiates with Dutch merchants or reads coded letters in Marathi script, the details ring true. I admired how Rekhy resists the urge to overwrite with academic exposition; instead, he weaves facts organically into the plot. This approach made me feel both educated and entertained, without the distraction of clunky info‑dumps.
Writing Style and Pacing
Rekhy’s prose struck an excellent balance between lyrical description and propulsive action. I often found myself lingering over his vivid metaphors—likening cannon smoke to “white puffs of anger”—before being jolted forward by a sudden boarding raid. The pacing never lagged: even quieter moments of strategy discussion felt charged with tension. Occasionally, I wished for a brief glossary of nautical terms, but this minor quibble did little to hamper my enjoyment.
Emotional Resonance and Themes
What resonated most with me was the novel’s theme of reclaiming a native hero from colonial shadow. Angre’s struggle against branding as a “pirate” while fiercely defending Maratha sovereignty felt deeply meaningful. I was moved by scenes where the admiral comforts wounded sailors or contemplates the heavy cost of war on coastal villages. By the final pages, I felt not only entertained but inspired—a renewed appreciation for India’s maritime legacy.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In first person, I can confidently say Angria exceeded my expectations. Rekhy’s debut is both an epic sea‑faring adventure and a nuanced character study, grounded in thorough research yet pulsing with narrative flair. If you, like me, crave richly immersive historical fiction that illuminates forgotten corners of India’s past, Angria: A Historical Odyssey is a voyage well worth undertaking.
Immersive Narrative and World‑Building
From the first scene at Suvarnadurg Fort, I was swept away by the immersive world Rekhy constructs. He masterfully layers the geography, weather, and everyday life of coastal Maharashtra—down to the taste of kokum saar and the calls of temple bells at dawn. I found the frequent shifts between deck‑hand scrimmages and courtly intrigue refreshingly dynamic; every locale felt so tangible that I could almost feel the spray of the Arabian Sea on my face. As a reader, I appreciated how this novel balances sweeping sea‑battle panoramas with intimate port‑city vignettes.
Complex Characters and Relationships
Rekhy’s portrayal of Kanhoji Angre evolves naturally across the narrative. I witnessed his transformation—from a dutiful fort keeper’s son eager to prove his mettle, to a shrewd admiral deftly outmaneuvering European powers. I was particularly moved by Angre’s loyalty to his crew and his fraught relationship with his brothers and rivals. Secondary characters—such as the stoic Giri, the curious Portuguese trader Anaïs, and the cunning Siddi commander—each left a lasting impression. I found their dialogues and fleeting alliances added emotional depth that kept me invested beyond mere naval tactics.
Historical Authenticity and Research
As someone who values historical fidelity, I was heartened to learn Rekhy’s research spanned Asiatic Society archives, interviews with Angre’s descendants, and extensive fort visits. His meticulous footwork shows: when Angre negotiates with Dutch merchants or reads coded letters in Marathi script, the details ring true. I admired how Rekhy resists the urge to overwrite with academic exposition; instead, he weaves facts organically into the plot. This approach made me feel both educated and entertained, without the distraction of clunky info‑dumps.
Writing Style and Pacing
Rekhy’s prose struck an excellent balance between lyrical description and propulsive action. I often found myself lingering over his vivid metaphors—likening cannon smoke to “white puffs of anger”—before being jolted forward by a sudden boarding raid. The pacing never lagged: even quieter moments of strategy discussion felt charged with tension. Occasionally, I wished for a brief glossary of nautical terms, but this minor quibble did little to hamper my enjoyment.
Emotional Resonance and Themes
What resonated most with me was the novel’s theme of reclaiming a native hero from colonial shadow. Angre’s struggle against branding as a “pirate” while fiercely defending Maratha sovereignty felt deeply meaningful. I was moved by scenes where the admiral comforts wounded sailors or contemplates the heavy cost of war on coastal villages. By the final pages, I felt not only entertained but inspired—a renewed appreciation for India’s maritime legacy.
Conclusion and Recommendation
In first person, I can confidently say Angria exceeded my expectations. Rekhy’s debut is both an epic sea‑faring adventure and a nuanced character study, grounded in thorough research yet pulsing with narrative flair. If you, like me, crave richly immersive historical fiction that illuminates forgotten corners of India’s past, Angria: A Historical Odyssey is a voyage well worth undertaking.
March 8, 2024
Angria is set during the turbulent Maratha era in India which transports readers on an exciting historical journey while highlighting the life of the unsung naval commander Kanhoji Angre. Readers will be engrossed in Sohail Rekhy's skillfully crafted story of bravery, treachery, and loyalty until the very last page.
Readers are transported to a realm of danger and intrigue through in-depth descriptions of the Konkan's tumultuous rivers and the fearsome forts.
Kanhoji Angre, the main character, is a fascinating and complex figure. Kanhoji is descended from Tukoji Sankhpal, Shivaji's keeper of Suvarnadurg Fort, who instilled in him a love of the sea and a strong sense of duty towards his empire. Kanhoji finds himself at the center of a power struggle that pushes him to rise above his circumstances as foes from all sides threaten the Maratha kingdom. Readers follow his development from a little child to the fearsome naval captain known as "Samudratala Shivaji" (Shivaji if Seas) as he travels.
Kanhoji must traverse a complex web of political intrigue, familial tensions, and constant foreign invasions by the Mughals, Siddis, and Portuguese, all of which are masterfully portrayed by Sohail Rekhy. The British East India Company's presence heightens the tension and draws attention to the power struggle at this crucial juncture in history.
The vivid and evocative writing style immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and scents of the period. Because of Sohail Rekhy's extensive research, the plot feels realistic and well-founded.
Angria is a riveting work of historical fiction that transports readers to a period when the battle for Swaraj was raging throughout the Indian Ocean. This novel about bravery, love, and the undying spirit of Kanhoji Angre will captivate readers who enjoy both history and fiction
Readers are transported to a realm of danger and intrigue through in-depth descriptions of the Konkan's tumultuous rivers and the fearsome forts.
Kanhoji Angre, the main character, is a fascinating and complex figure. Kanhoji is descended from Tukoji Sankhpal, Shivaji's keeper of Suvarnadurg Fort, who instilled in him a love of the sea and a strong sense of duty towards his empire. Kanhoji finds himself at the center of a power struggle that pushes him to rise above his circumstances as foes from all sides threaten the Maratha kingdom. Readers follow his development from a little child to the fearsome naval captain known as "Samudratala Shivaji" (Shivaji if Seas) as he travels.
Kanhoji must traverse a complex web of political intrigue, familial tensions, and constant foreign invasions by the Mughals, Siddis, and Portuguese, all of which are masterfully portrayed by Sohail Rekhy. The British East India Company's presence heightens the tension and draws attention to the power struggle at this crucial juncture in history.
The vivid and evocative writing style immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and scents of the period. Because of Sohail Rekhy's extensive research, the plot feels realistic and well-founded.
Angria is a riveting work of historical fiction that transports readers to a period when the battle for Swaraj was raging throughout the Indian Ocean. This novel about bravery, love, and the undying spirit of Kanhoji Angre will captivate readers who enjoy both history and fiction
March 10, 2024
-Heroes lost to History-
Review of Angira by Sohail Rekhy
🖋️📖
Some heroes shine, glorified by the scribes and celebrated by the history. Some of them get buried in the sea of ink or the ruffle of papers, not fortunate enough to be celebrated by the time and people. One such hero is Kanhoji Angre, also called Samudratala Shivaji - 'Shivaji of the Seas.
The glory of Shivaji was so great, tales of his victory so glorious that a lot of the heroes from those times haven’t gotten the same mention in the texts. Rekhy has brought Angre to life, depicting his struggles and victories here.
Kanhoji Angre is born to Tukoji Sankhpal, keeper of the Suvarnadurg Fort for Shivaji, emperor of the Marathas. A child of the seas, Kanhoji is as much at home in the turbulent waters of the Konkan as in the forts and forests of the Desha mainland.
But the enemies of their empire are never too far away.
The Mughals are in constant battle with the Marathas on land, while the Siddis and the newly arrived Portuguese threaten to destroy them at sea. There's also the British East India Company, whose traders have settled on the island of Kulaba, paying taxes to Kanhoji.
Kanhoji must rise above conspiracy, deceit, war and family politics to become the Samudratala Shivaji - 'Shivaji of the Seas.
An astounding debut, Angria is the tale of one of history's most feared naval commanders. Amid the smell of gunpowder and salt, Sohail Rekhy brings to life a momentous era when the war for swaraj was fought on the seas of India and when only one man stood between the frangis and the Desha. This is the chronice of a hero whose story has been lost to the waves of time.
Review of Angira by Sohail Rekhy
🖋️📖
Some heroes shine, glorified by the scribes and celebrated by the history. Some of them get buried in the sea of ink or the ruffle of papers, not fortunate enough to be celebrated by the time and people. One such hero is Kanhoji Angre, also called Samudratala Shivaji - 'Shivaji of the Seas.
The glory of Shivaji was so great, tales of his victory so glorious that a lot of the heroes from those times haven’t gotten the same mention in the texts. Rekhy has brought Angre to life, depicting his struggles and victories here.
Kanhoji Angre is born to Tukoji Sankhpal, keeper of the Suvarnadurg Fort for Shivaji, emperor of the Marathas. A child of the seas, Kanhoji is as much at home in the turbulent waters of the Konkan as in the forts and forests of the Desha mainland.
But the enemies of their empire are never too far away.
The Mughals are in constant battle with the Marathas on land, while the Siddis and the newly arrived Portuguese threaten to destroy them at sea. There's also the British East India Company, whose traders have settled on the island of Kulaba, paying taxes to Kanhoji.
Kanhoji must rise above conspiracy, deceit, war and family politics to become the Samudratala Shivaji - 'Shivaji of the Seas.
An astounding debut, Angria is the tale of one of history's most feared naval commanders. Amid the smell of gunpowder and salt, Sohail Rekhy brings to life a momentous era when the war for swaraj was fought on the seas of India and when only one man stood between the frangis and the Desha. This is the chronice of a hero whose story has been lost to the waves of time.
July 20, 2024
‘‘Angria: A Historical Odyssey‘‘ by Sohail Rekhy is a captivating exploration of Kanhoji Angre, the ‘‘Emperor of the Seas‘‘ of India in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. For those unfamiliar with India's maritime history, Rekhy's tale provides an engrossing introduction to a pivotal man and period in Indian naval combat.
The book's engaging storytelling and rich visuals give readers a renewed respect for Kanhoji Angre's life and accomplishments. The book is not only educational but also entertaining, transporting readers to the realm of 17th-century maritime battle and political intrigue.
This book tells the intriguing narrative of Kanhoji Angrey, a renowned master mariner, fighter, and strategist who led the Maratha empire's fleet against European threats along the Konkan coast in 17th-century India. ‘‘Angria: A Historical Odyssey‘‘ is a gripping and well-crafted first novel that illuminates an intriguing period in India's nautical history.
Sohail Rekhy's evocative depiction of Kanhoji Angre's life and exploits takes readers on an immersive trip across the treacherous seas of the Indian Ocean, highlighting the perseverance and strategic brilliance of a legendary person.
The book's engaging storytelling and rich visuals give readers a renewed respect for Kanhoji Angre's life and accomplishments. The book is not only educational but also entertaining, transporting readers to the realm of 17th-century maritime battle and political intrigue.
This book tells the intriguing narrative of Kanhoji Angrey, a renowned master mariner, fighter, and strategist who led the Maratha empire's fleet against European threats along the Konkan coast in 17th-century India. ‘‘Angria: A Historical Odyssey‘‘ is a gripping and well-crafted first novel that illuminates an intriguing period in India's nautical history.
Sohail Rekhy's evocative depiction of Kanhoji Angre's life and exploits takes readers on an immersive trip across the treacherous seas of the Indian Ocean, highlighting the perseverance and strategic brilliance of a legendary person.
March 3, 2024
"Angria: A Historical Odyssey" by Sohail Rekhy is an enthralling tale of adventure and bravery set against the backdrop of colonial India. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Author transports readers to a tumultuous era filled with intrigue, warfare, and political machinations. The protagonist, Kanhoji Angre, emerges as a larger-than-life figure, navigating treacherous waters both literal and metaphorical as he strives to protect his homeland from foreign invaders.
Author's prose is evocative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of life in 17th-century India. From the bustling ports of Konkan to the majestic forts of the Maratha empire, the reader is swept away on a journey filled with danger and excitement. The author skillfully weaves together historical events and fictional elements, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and captivating.
What sets "Angria" apart is its focus on the maritime aspect of Indian history, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Through Kanhoji Angre's exploits as a naval commander, Author shines a light on the crucial role played by the Marathas in defending India's coasts against foreign aggression. The book offers a refreshing alternative to traditional historical accounts, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of indigenous naval forces.
At its core, "Angria" is a story of resilience, courage, and patriotism. Kanhoji Angre's journey from a humble seafarer to a legendary naval commander is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian people in the face of adversity. Author's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring history to life make this book a must-read for anyone interested in India's rich maritime heritage.
All-in-all, "Angria: A Historical Odyssey" is a gripping tale that transports readers to a bygone era of swashbuckling adventure and heroic deeds. With its compelling narrative and vibrant characters, it is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Author's prose is evocative and immersive, painting a vivid picture of life in 17th-century India. From the bustling ports of Konkan to the majestic forts of the Maratha empire, the reader is swept away on a journey filled with danger and excitement. The author skillfully weaves together historical events and fictional elements, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and captivating.
What sets "Angria" apart is its focus on the maritime aspect of Indian history, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Through Kanhoji Angre's exploits as a naval commander, Author shines a light on the crucial role played by the Marathas in defending India's coasts against foreign aggression. The book offers a refreshing alternative to traditional historical accounts, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of indigenous naval forces.
At its core, "Angria" is a story of resilience, courage, and patriotism. Kanhoji Angre's journey from a humble seafarer to a legendary naval commander is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian people in the face of adversity. Author's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring history to life make this book a must-read for anyone interested in India's rich maritime heritage.
All-in-all, "Angria: A Historical Odyssey" is a gripping tale that transports readers to a bygone era of swashbuckling adventure and heroic deeds. With its compelling narrative and vibrant characters, it is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
February 24, 2024
Rekhy’s research is extensive as he spent hours at Asiatic Society Library, interviewed Angre’s descendants living in Alibag, near Mumbai, even saw Kanhoji’s seals and other material he could lay hands on. Unlike most historical fiction novels, in which the authors like to hold fort with current language trends, Rekhy stays true to the times Angre lived in. All the chapters open with Kanhoji’s seal.
Rekhy has explored many aspects in the book; each chapter has multiple references to multiple people and many locations. The complexity does leave the 21st century reader a tad bit confused. It takes time to assimilate the terms, the geography, the era. A glossary of terms would have been good, though there are footnotes.
Rekhy has explored many aspects in the book; each chapter has multiple references to multiple people and many locations. The complexity does leave the 21st century reader a tad bit confused. It takes time to assimilate the terms, the geography, the era. A glossary of terms would have been good, though there are footnotes.
August 5, 2024
I have a mixed feeling about the book. Rekhy's style of presenting history on Angria's life as a "story" felt refreshingly new, which drew me to the book. At the same time, the book felt more like a screenplay, and transitions in time/situations and details about characters didn't feel smooth while reading.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews