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From Zero to One: The Story of Manu
"According to the popular folklore, after the great floods, a lonely and desolate Manu had tied his boat to a high Himalayan cliff at the modern day Manali (which derives its current name from Manu - namely Manu's Sthali - the land of Manu)."
"He leads the way for a new civilization to ultimately emerge as the progenitor of a new race known after him - the Manushyas, or Manavas (meaning followers of Manu - the Hindi term by which human beings are addressed ever since)!"
"He leads the way for a new civilization to ultimately emerge as the progenitor of a new race known after him - the Manushyas, or Manavas (meaning followers of Manu - the Hindi term by which human beings are addressed ever since)!"
158 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2016
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 24, 2016
From Zero to One: The Story of Manu by Maneesha Agarwal is an mythological fiction. The concept of the novel given the grip to read in one go. A novel of 140 pages which covers what is essential to story.
The story is about the sole survivor of the floods, a prince Shradhev or Manu son of Surya the king of Bramhavart ( which was the largest kingdom of Northern India ). About thousand years ago there were the floods following torrential rains that continues for 51 days. In which life on the planet was eradicated wholly, including all living beings thriving at the earth at that time - plants, animals and including humans.
The sole survivor prince manu had been instructed by the saptrishis to secure a necessary of seeds, grains and the Vedas in a huge boat. He is assigned the duty of reconstructing the life else re-establishing human habitation on the planet at the advent of a new dawn.
When Manu went through the disgust he found out the dozens of peoples who were also meant for fellow survivors, the vayas with their cattle's survived from floods from now they agreed Manu as their leader and mentor this slowly industrializing the foundations of an illustrious future.
Later they joined by Aaryavars to new formed village in Manali banks of Arjikiya from Mount kailash. to beautifully form the make the world that fascinating workstation where life rules.. Not renunciation.
Slowly the life changes to normal from zero to one, from nothing to enriched, from disgusting to beautiful.
The story ends beautifully by Crowning Manu as king by following his marriage with Shraddha. Their love tale is written so well which makes story extra interesting,
From zero to one, an light read with peaceful impact and want to appreciate author to make mythological story as simple with brief explanations over small sankrit words used in earlier. This proves the research works of author well. The maps enclosed also makes read easier.
From zero to one, for who fascinated towards the History nor mythology or well suits for all kind of readers because of its simplicity.
I also want to mention about cover which is so well an eye catchy also the quality of papers is so good as other books from Notion press.
My rating - 4/5
The story is about the sole survivor of the floods, a prince Shradhev or Manu son of Surya the king of Bramhavart ( which was the largest kingdom of Northern India ). About thousand years ago there were the floods following torrential rains that continues for 51 days. In which life on the planet was eradicated wholly, including all living beings thriving at the earth at that time - plants, animals and including humans.
The sole survivor prince manu had been instructed by the saptrishis to secure a necessary of seeds, grains and the Vedas in a huge boat. He is assigned the duty of reconstructing the life else re-establishing human habitation on the planet at the advent of a new dawn.
When Manu went through the disgust he found out the dozens of peoples who were also meant for fellow survivors, the vayas with their cattle's survived from floods from now they agreed Manu as their leader and mentor this slowly industrializing the foundations of an illustrious future.
Later they joined by Aaryavars to new formed village in Manali banks of Arjikiya from Mount kailash. to beautifully form the make the world that fascinating workstation where life rules.. Not renunciation.
Slowly the life changes to normal from zero to one, from nothing to enriched, from disgusting to beautiful.
The story ends beautifully by Crowning Manu as king by following his marriage with Shraddha. Their love tale is written so well which makes story extra interesting,
From zero to one, an light read with peaceful impact and want to appreciate author to make mythological story as simple with brief explanations over small sankrit words used in earlier. This proves the research works of author well. The maps enclosed also makes read easier.
From zero to one, for who fascinated towards the History nor mythology or well suits for all kind of readers because of its simplicity.
I also want to mention about cover which is so well an eye catchy also the quality of papers is so good as other books from Notion press.
My rating - 4/5
December 27, 2016
Blurb of the book
The story revolves around Prince Shradhdev, or Manu, son of Surya the king of Bramhavart. The story is set up after a life changing disaster, wherein Prince Manu is stranded alone after surviving the deluge, having been instructed by the Saptarishis to stock the essential seeds, grains, and the Holy Vedas in a boat. Popular folklores tell us that Manu had docked his boat on a Himalayan cliff, at the modern day Manali. The book is a fictional take on how Manu, despite being the solitary crusader of the hiatus, manages to build a society block by block, bringing in survivors from the best of the Vedic clans under one crest, one society. This is the saga of one man trying to rebuild and re-establish all that was lost, to acquire a new beginning - a story of the rise of a new civilization From Zero to One. How Manu proceeds on achieving this despite the odds, makes the rest of the story. The curious facts interlaced with fiction have given the story an exciting pace which grips the reader's interest.
My take on the book
"Perched on the bough of a very dark night ,
Were a pair of eyes penetrating their sight ,
Into the realm of the years gone by ,
Scouring the pathway for morning at nigh ......
The book of one forty pages emerges with couple of inquisitive lines which leads us into the story of a person who made an entire arena .His character has been given so much insight even his name acts as a face of his characterisation .Narration is done by the first character as well as the usual subjective narration which is essential for a mythological genre book .To make the part of the young readers easier the elaborated descriptions are given down the pages of each page .The story of Adam and Eve was a popular theory which was circulated by many writers and historians and this too has a glimpse of them .Manu has a shade of Adam but Adam was thrusted into the path of negativities but Manu is shielded with some powerful ideologies.Minimum characters has given a maximum effect .Each and every characterisation is analytically sketched .Deep study has been done down by the writer in drafting every words and lines .Brown aura symbolises nature and mystery and the golden hue helps in revealing the hidden things .Book cover shows out the images of ancient days .The inscriptions which was used up in later days is visible here.The image of Manu is carved up in a stone .Solitary confinement is a disease to many it can make a person to realise his self worth or make him to become insane .Manu becomes the one of self worth dressed up with all the traits of a leader .Each of the Vedic Clans leaves some of the finer lessons.Font of the book is so clear and no diminishing can be experienced in the entire read .Felt that some of the pages are not printed with numbers .Twenty one chapters unveils the days of the past in a synchronous manner .Few pages carry out maps with some detailed informations .The story of the book has taken up the source from reliable Sanskrit manuscripts.Descriptions and vocabulary is rich .Mythological lovers can read it to get some clear knowledge .
About the writer :
Maneesha Agarwal (MVG) is a well-read and widely-traveled writer, who started her journey with pen through a few published travelogues. She has also worked as the language editor (English) with an autonomous government body for three years. MVG always had a penchant for deep thinking, leading her to study Sanskrit to gain an insight into the Indian school of thought. This, coupled with her erudite fascination for history and exploring obscure places, has prompted her creativity to carve a fable out of folklore, which she presents in her first book, From Zero to One.
The story revolves around Prince Shradhdev, or Manu, son of Surya the king of Bramhavart. The story is set up after a life changing disaster, wherein Prince Manu is stranded alone after surviving the deluge, having been instructed by the Saptarishis to stock the essential seeds, grains, and the Holy Vedas in a boat. Popular folklores tell us that Manu had docked his boat on a Himalayan cliff, at the modern day Manali. The book is a fictional take on how Manu, despite being the solitary crusader of the hiatus, manages to build a society block by block, bringing in survivors from the best of the Vedic clans under one crest, one society. This is the saga of one man trying to rebuild and re-establish all that was lost, to acquire a new beginning - a story of the rise of a new civilization From Zero to One. How Manu proceeds on achieving this despite the odds, makes the rest of the story. The curious facts interlaced with fiction have given the story an exciting pace which grips the reader's interest.
My take on the book
"Perched on the bough of a very dark night ,
Were a pair of eyes penetrating their sight ,
Into the realm of the years gone by ,
Scouring the pathway for morning at nigh ......
The book of one forty pages emerges with couple of inquisitive lines which leads us into the story of a person who made an entire arena .His character has been given so much insight even his name acts as a face of his characterisation .Narration is done by the first character as well as the usual subjective narration which is essential for a mythological genre book .To make the part of the young readers easier the elaborated descriptions are given down the pages of each page .The story of Adam and Eve was a popular theory which was circulated by many writers and historians and this too has a glimpse of them .Manu has a shade of Adam but Adam was thrusted into the path of negativities but Manu is shielded with some powerful ideologies.Minimum characters has given a maximum effect .Each and every characterisation is analytically sketched .Deep study has been done down by the writer in drafting every words and lines .Brown aura symbolises nature and mystery and the golden hue helps in revealing the hidden things .Book cover shows out the images of ancient days .The inscriptions which was used up in later days is visible here.The image of Manu is carved up in a stone .Solitary confinement is a disease to many it can make a person to realise his self worth or make him to become insane .Manu becomes the one of self worth dressed up with all the traits of a leader .Each of the Vedic Clans leaves some of the finer lessons.Font of the book is so clear and no diminishing can be experienced in the entire read .Felt that some of the pages are not printed with numbers .Twenty one chapters unveils the days of the past in a synchronous manner .Few pages carry out maps with some detailed informations .The story of the book has taken up the source from reliable Sanskrit manuscripts.Descriptions and vocabulary is rich .Mythological lovers can read it to get some clear knowledge .
About the writer :
Maneesha Agarwal (MVG) is a well-read and widely-traveled writer, who started her journey with pen through a few published travelogues. She has also worked as the language editor (English) with an autonomous government body for three years. MVG always had a penchant for deep thinking, leading her to study Sanskrit to gain an insight into the Indian school of thought. This, coupled with her erudite fascination for history and exploring obscure places, has prompted her creativity to carve a fable out of folklore, which she presents in her first book, From Zero to One.
February 27, 2017
this book is all about mythology and its finest mythology I know...good book must read....author has aptly choose title and is good enough to increase knowledge...I can't pick only a single quote in book but the whole book is beautifully written and expressed...
January 9, 2017
Obstacles, frustrations, deadlocks, crisis and paradoxical situations prevails everywhere to everyone but the only interrogate that infuse our spirit is "Are we ready to face it courageously?". The book opens with the only survival from the deluge, Manu. The book travels along with Manu and his heroic determination to uplift the society. His faithless attitude towards the existing life has soon overcame as soon as he sees the huge set of people. At certain point he is anchored by the thoughts of woman. The lovestruck Manu fails to reveal his feelings to the lady love because he finds it unethical to do so in the midst of his responsibility. This clearly shows that in no place love fails to exist. History ever ends and it may appear as vague topic but the author wittily peppered love to it that makes the readers to turn the pages. Manu's kind heart and patience results in the union of the inhabitants and ultimately the story ends positively of what he deserves. The last few words from Manu and Kamayani is memorable and makes a good end.The mythological setting provides a greatness and a positive outlook. The story instead of making itself monotonous in the end has shifted to the romantic or the personal life of Manu and Kamoyani.
Though the words are bombastic and grandiloquent it is easily comprehensible. The book is simple yet the powerful idealogy, highlights the importance of positive outlook in life. The idealogy of patience and the power has been clearly portrayed using the great characters of Manu and Banasur and also shows us how patience defeats power. The story has some coherence and it brings out the author's best knowledge. It will be a good feast for the person who is looking for history genre. It highlights that everyone in the world are born to perform some duties and if it is not so, to give our breathe when our dear ones has already given away. Desire does decides us. Hopefully looking for the upcoming books in the same or different genre.
Though the words are bombastic and grandiloquent it is easily comprehensible. The book is simple yet the powerful idealogy, highlights the importance of positive outlook in life. The idealogy of patience and the power has been clearly portrayed using the great characters of Manu and Banasur and also shows us how patience defeats power. The story has some coherence and it brings out the author's best knowledge. It will be a good feast for the person who is looking for history genre. It highlights that everyone in the world are born to perform some duties and if it is not so, to give our breathe when our dear ones has already given away. Desire does decides us. Hopefully looking for the upcoming books in the same or different genre.
February 7, 2017
From Zero to One: The Story of Manu
I seriously could not select a single phrase that I liked because I enjoyed the whole book, line by line. Here are a few of my randomly selected phrases from 'From Zero to One':
"It would soon prosper... turning into a bright star emitting a radiance that will besiege the severe span of darkness. "
"If you have a question that is getting difficult to be answered, send it to the stars. They will fetch the solution for you. Try it, Aarya, I have tried it umpteen times," she smiled. "
"Once a time is gone, it is lapped up by history. And remember, history is endless... always the same... it has been the same since ages."
Well to start with the review - It was a superb piece of work from the author. Though I am not so good in history, I still would like to say that this novel held me from page 1 till the last and I completed it in a single go. The author has beautifully narrated the story of reestablishment of the region and reinstating it to form Manali. In other words, the origin of Manali. Not to forget the story of Yakshas who in association with the Asuras formed the Malana.
Author has also successfully explained the Karmic Chakra through the sages (Saptarishis) and it's real meaning; karma in real sense to all of us. The conversations between the Asuras and the Yakshas at times appears so lively. The love story developing between the story between Manu and Kamayani has also been very well narrated by the author.
From my point of view 4.5 stars to the novel.
I seriously could not select a single phrase that I liked because I enjoyed the whole book, line by line. Here are a few of my randomly selected phrases from 'From Zero to One':
"It would soon prosper... turning into a bright star emitting a radiance that will besiege the severe span of darkness. "
"If you have a question that is getting difficult to be answered, send it to the stars. They will fetch the solution for you. Try it, Aarya, I have tried it umpteen times," she smiled. "
"Once a time is gone, it is lapped up by history. And remember, history is endless... always the same... it has been the same since ages."
Well to start with the review - It was a superb piece of work from the author. Though I am not so good in history, I still would like to say that this novel held me from page 1 till the last and I completed it in a single go. The author has beautifully narrated the story of reestablishment of the region and reinstating it to form Manali. In other words, the origin of Manali. Not to forget the story of Yakshas who in association with the Asuras formed the Malana.
Author has also successfully explained the Karmic Chakra through the sages (Saptarishis) and it's real meaning; karma in real sense to all of us. The conversations between the Asuras and the Yakshas at times appears so lively. The love story developing between the story between Manu and Kamayani has also been very well narrated by the author.
From my point of view 4.5 stars to the novel.
December 27, 2016
From zero to one: story of Manu by MVG(MANEESHA AGRAWAL) gives the story of MANU, son of Surya the king of Bramhavart, the solo survivor of a great disaster which nearly destroyed all forms of life on planet earth. Manu, under the guidance of the Saptrishis secured a stock of seeds and grains which was later used to vegetate the land.
In her book Agrawal takes you on a journey from the moment when the young prince secures his boat on a Himalayan cliff (modern day Manali) until he is to become a great ruler of a whole new civilization. It gives a detailed description of Manu’s experiences and challenges in this new world. It also describes the struggles and obstacles one would have to face if ever put under the mercy of nature.
The story is based on an incident believed to have occurred thousands of years ago. The author has efficiently brought to life a fable so it can be enjoyed by anyone. The language is good. The book is very interesting and doesn’t consume too much time. Honest, from a person who can hardly read for an hour! It also teaches you a lot about your culture you didn’t know.
It is a 140 paged paperback book with an apt cover.
Maneesha Agrwal started her journey with pen through a few published travelogues. She worked as an editor with an autonomous government body. She is familiear with Sanskrit which gave her good insight to the Indian school of though. She proves to be a promising author in the very first attempt.
In her book Agrawal takes you on a journey from the moment when the young prince secures his boat on a Himalayan cliff (modern day Manali) until he is to become a great ruler of a whole new civilization. It gives a detailed description of Manu’s experiences and challenges in this new world. It also describes the struggles and obstacles one would have to face if ever put under the mercy of nature.
The story is based on an incident believed to have occurred thousands of years ago. The author has efficiently brought to life a fable so it can be enjoyed by anyone. The language is good. The book is very interesting and doesn’t consume too much time. Honest, from a person who can hardly read for an hour! It also teaches you a lot about your culture you didn’t know.
It is a 140 paged paperback book with an apt cover.
Maneesha Agrwal started her journey with pen through a few published travelogues. She worked as an editor with an autonomous government body. She is familiear with Sanskrit which gave her good insight to the Indian school of though. She proves to be a promising author in the very first attempt.
December 25, 2016
From zero to one :
The story of manu by Maneesha Agrawal connects mythology in a natural way . Like Swift's Gulliver's travel n Daniel Defoe's Robinson's Crusoe the story of manu starts with the same story line that of getting lost in the storm and thereafter the story takes a complete alteration.Manu leads a life of solitude finds it difficult to be all alone, thereafter finding companions for him to be comfortable and make a family like creating a world for his livelihood is all abt the story. May be our world might have started lyk this too. On the whole a very interesting nvl which paves a different path which has made me to fall into this sorts of genre .Am open to all genres but the way the writing style takes you is something connectable .
The story of manu by Maneesha Agrawal connects mythology in a natural way . Like Swift's Gulliver's travel n Daniel Defoe's Robinson's Crusoe the story of manu starts with the same story line that of getting lost in the storm and thereafter the story takes a complete alteration.Manu leads a life of solitude finds it difficult to be all alone, thereafter finding companions for him to be comfortable and make a family like creating a world for his livelihood is all abt the story. May be our world might have started lyk this too. On the whole a very interesting nvl which paves a different path which has made me to fall into this sorts of genre .Am open to all genres but the way the writing style takes you is something connectable .
January 5, 2017
From Zero to One is an interesting read. The author has tried to tell the story of Manu, the sole survivor after the entire world is flooded. This story is common to nearly all civilizations in some form or the other. Here the author gives us an Indian take on it. She shows the desolation one would feel in such a situation and how Manu, the progenitor of the Indian civilization battles all odds. She delves into the nitty gritty details of the day to day survival and the book shows the wealth of research that must have gone into it. However this does not mean it is boring or dull, on the contrary the book is very engaging and tells you a lot about Indian culture.
December 23, 2017
An amazing pick for ancient history enthusiasts (3/5)
Full Review: https://wp.me/p2vbKI-1sC
Full Review: https://wp.me/p2vbKI-1sC
April 22, 2021
A beautiful short story Read ✨
It's such an amazing short read , and I really like mythological fiction , with the easy to understand Writing style and fluent language . It's an on the Go read.
It's such an amazing short read , and I really like mythological fiction , with the easy to understand Writing style and fluent language . It's an on the Go read.
March 13, 2018
Our heart is free, all we have to have is, the courage to follow it- Maneesha Agrawal seems to have had materialised this idea quite justifiably, by leading not just herself but also her readers, back to the birth of Manali, where belongs her heart. The book caters well in reminding readers of the process of inception of civilisation, also motivating, by portraying Manu as an exceptionally prudent character. The picture of Manu formed is that of a dauntless man who refuses to embrace escapism and originates a whole new race which continues to be known after his name. The author has succeeded in bringing out a motivational spirit in her novel by indicating the purpose of our souls, which is to live. However, heavy words woven immediately together make it a little difficult for the reader to decipher sometimes, while it is always nicer to read rather a simple sentence describing things. For instance, the straightforward description of the Karmic Chakra seemed like a treat after long heavy narrations. The rest of the part, however, compensates with the pictorial story telling.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews