Samraj

by Elaine Aron

A story of a man and a woman chosen to save their land from destruction, Samraj is a tapestry peopled with princes and princesses, warriors and kings of long ago, recreating the story told in India's Mahabharata, and thus grounded in historical truth. The book is the first of three volumes.

A retelling of: The Mahābhārata.

598 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[Vikram P · Rating 1 out of 5]

Complete bullshit. This depicts wrongful understanding and biased reality. Completely wrong information and wrong depiction related to draupadi and other characters. I suggest all to not go blindfolded with other's opinion and follow it.. Please read Original Mahabharat and understand dharma from it.. Thank you all

[Rishu Raj · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not read it still but I will soon

[Jai Joshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aron's take on the Mahabharat is very interesting to me. I was only 11 or 12 when I first read this, (far too young for some of the themes in it) but Aron's understanding of the characters drew me in and made me think. I don't agree with any of her take on those characters, not at all, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate her skill in writing them and creating a story.

The book does rely heavily on the debunked Aryan invasion theory, which most historians now give no credence too, so that ruins the reading somewhat. Yet it is fascinating how Aron manages to remove most of the mystical and magical aspects of the story and ground the characters in a very mundane world that is, nonetheless, filled with tension and suspense. I wanted to read the next book but could never find it or even find out what it was called. I understand that there are three volumes but still don't know where to get them.

All in all, in an interesting take on the possible history of Ancient India but the messages are to be taken with a massive grain of salt.

[Roxanne]

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