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The Indian Epics Retold: The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Gods Demons and Others
One of India s finest novelists retells the two great Indian epics as well as some well-known tales from Hindu mythology and folklore. While the eleventh century Tamil poet Kamban s version inspires his Ramayana, Narayan s Mahabharata is based on Vyasa s monumental work. In Gods, Demons and Others, he includes stories from Kalidasa s Sanskrit classic Abhijnana Shakuntalam, the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, the Shiv Purana and the Devi Bhagwatam.
630 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1995
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829 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Narayan
143 books1,930 followersR. K. Narayan is among the best known and most widely read Indian novelists who wrote in English.
R.K. Narayan was born in Madras, South India, in 1906, and educated there and at Maharaja's College in Mysore. His first novel, Swami and Friends and its successor, The Bachelor of Arts, are both set in the enchanting fictional territory of Malgudi and are only two out of the twelve novels he based there. In 1958 Narayan's work The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.
In addition to his novels, Narayan has authored five collections of short stories, including A Horse and Two Goats, Malguidi Days, and Under the Banyan Tree, two travel books, two volumes of essays, a volume of memoirs, and the re-told legends Gods, Demons and Others, The Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. In 1980 he was awarded the A.C. Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature and in 1982 he was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
Most of Narayan's work, starting with his first novel Swami and Friends (1935), captures many Indian traits while retaining a unique identity of its own. He was sometimes compared to the American writer William Faulkner, whose novels were also grounded in a compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life.
Narayan who lived till age of ninety-four, died in 2001. He wrote for more than fifty years, and published until he was eighty seven. He wrote fourteen novels, five volumes of short stories, a number of travelogues and collections of non-fiction, condensed versions of Indian epics in English, and the memoir My Days.
-Wikipedia & Amazon.co.uk
R.K. Narayan was born in Madras, South India, in 1906, and educated there and at Maharaja's College in Mysore. His first novel, Swami and Friends and its successor, The Bachelor of Arts, are both set in the enchanting fictional territory of Malgudi and are only two out of the twelve novels he based there. In 1958 Narayan's work The Guide won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, his country's highest literary honor.
In addition to his novels, Narayan has authored five collections of short stories, including A Horse and Two Goats, Malguidi Days, and Under the Banyan Tree, two travel books, two volumes of essays, a volume of memoirs, and the re-told legends Gods, Demons and Others, The Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. In 1980 he was awarded the A.C. Benson Medal by the Royal Society of Literature and in 1982 he was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters.
Most of Narayan's work, starting with his first novel Swami and Friends (1935), captures many Indian traits while retaining a unique identity of its own. He was sometimes compared to the American writer William Faulkner, whose novels were also grounded in a compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life.
Narayan who lived till age of ninety-four, died in 2001. He wrote for more than fifty years, and published until he was eighty seven. He wrote fourteen novels, five volumes of short stories, a number of travelogues and collections of non-fiction, condensed versions of Indian epics in English, and the memoir My Days.
-Wikipedia & Amazon.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 6, 2024
4.75 ⭐
GENRE - HINDU MYTHOLOGY/ DRAMA
R.K.Narayan is a brilliant story teller and having read his work (Malgudi Days) I had purchased this book since I wanted to read the Indian Mythological Episode's "The Ramayana" & "The Mahabharat" in detail having watched both on Television.
About the Book : - The author has done a wonderful job in narrating both the epic tales in simple and easy words, you will not get bored at anytime if you love the subject Indian Mythology and are looking for a book which is written in easy and simple language.
The book does not include the conversation between Krisha and Arjuna which is highly philosophical during the beginning of the battle of Mahabharat.
All in a all a great book to read specially for kids and youth who are beginning to know and understand our Mythological Episode's and are looking to take their first steps in the subject.
Thank you🙂
GENRE - HINDU MYTHOLOGY/ DRAMA
R.K.Narayan is a brilliant story teller and having read his work (Malgudi Days) I had purchased this book since I wanted to read the Indian Mythological Episode's "The Ramayana" & "The Mahabharat" in detail having watched both on Television.
About the Book : - The author has done a wonderful job in narrating both the epic tales in simple and easy words, you will not get bored at anytime if you love the subject Indian Mythology and are looking for a book which is written in easy and simple language.
The book does not include the conversation between Krisha and Arjuna which is highly philosophical during the beginning of the battle of Mahabharat.
All in a all a great book to read specially for kids and youth who are beginning to know and understand our Mythological Episode's and are looking to take their first steps in the subject.
Thank you🙂
July 4, 2016
R.K.Narayan's oversimplified narration is excusable to some extent given that he had to condense whole epics to a few hundred pages. However, the stories end up reading like a badly written summary and fail to stir any emotions. Also, without the philosophical arguments and justification, most of the actions of the characters seem ridiculous or contradictory. I think this version is better suited as an introduction to Indian mythology for kids. Adults would probably find it frustratingly devoid of logic.
January 9, 2009
Every time I read a book written by RK Narayan, I am reminded why he is one of my favourite authors. Narayan is such a great story teller and in this book he brings to life the great Indian epics. You get to partake in the written word from the comfort of your own seat, the stories stir the heart and motivate the soul.
I got to follow Hanunam and Rama on their action filled escapades, appreciate the intricacies of the Mahabhrata, got to meet demons and enjoyed such great epics made so palatable by Narayan.
This is a book that I will return to many times again, just to catch that magic. What a masterpiece.
I got to follow Hanunam and Rama on their action filled escapades, appreciate the intricacies of the Mahabhrata, got to meet demons and enjoyed such great epics made so palatable by Narayan.
This is a book that I will return to many times again, just to catch that magic. What a masterpiece.
June 7, 2014
Anything less than four stars to this masterpiece would be almost a sacrilege; as the author is none other than one of the legends of Indian English literature - R.K. Narayan. However, Narayan's gigantic attempt at retelling the exhaustive Indian epics left me asking for more.
I felt the read was just too simplistic, almost meant for young readers. The language or the style of narration is rather casual, because of which I feel it is perhaps meant to be an easy read for those not greatly familiar with the epics. For me, it was like a refresher after having read the comprehensive versions.
For the sake of brevity, Narayan clearly glosses over events, not getting into details of most, but for the absolutely major happenings. The two epics - The Ramayana and The Mahabharatha are thus done with in under 200 pages each. There isn't much description either, as the stories are narrated in a manner of reportage, without laying emphasis on the occurrences. Characters are not completely fleshed out, and are kept to the bare minimum.
Coming to the third part of the book, which comprises short stories from the same as well as other Indian epics, that form the part of "Gods, Demons, And Other", the narrative again follows the same style as I mentioned above. But some of the stories here consist of stories taken from The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, which makes it a repetition within the same book, and I found this to be quite tiresome.
What I loved was the role of the narrator. Narayan brings alive the story-teller and the art of oral story-telling, which is entrenched in the Indian traditions since centuries, but is now slowly becoming extinct. The story-teller in Narayan's book will remind you of your own grand-father, and take you back to happy memories of your childhood.
Overall, it is a commendable work, which can be introduced to young readers or those who are impatient to read the encyclopedic original versions of the great Indian epics.
I felt the read was just too simplistic, almost meant for young readers. The language or the style of narration is rather casual, because of which I feel it is perhaps meant to be an easy read for those not greatly familiar with the epics. For me, it was like a refresher after having read the comprehensive versions.
For the sake of brevity, Narayan clearly glosses over events, not getting into details of most, but for the absolutely major happenings. The two epics - The Ramayana and The Mahabharatha are thus done with in under 200 pages each. There isn't much description either, as the stories are narrated in a manner of reportage, without laying emphasis on the occurrences. Characters are not completely fleshed out, and are kept to the bare minimum.
Coming to the third part of the book, which comprises short stories from the same as well as other Indian epics, that form the part of "Gods, Demons, And Other", the narrative again follows the same style as I mentioned above. But some of the stories here consist of stories taken from The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, which makes it a repetition within the same book, and I found this to be quite tiresome.
What I loved was the role of the narrator. Narayan brings alive the story-teller and the art of oral story-telling, which is entrenched in the Indian traditions since centuries, but is now slowly becoming extinct. The story-teller in Narayan's book will remind you of your own grand-father, and take you back to happy memories of your childhood.
Overall, it is a commendable work, which can be introduced to young readers or those who are impatient to read the encyclopedic original versions of the great Indian epics.
April 21, 2020
If like me you have visited a few temples and museums in South Asia and been curious by the mythology then this book is a great place to start. Retold in simple English, Narayan (one of the greats of 20th century Indian literature) focused on the main narrative of these ancient stories, which is exactly what I wanted.
As far as the stories themselves, I really enjoyed The Ramayana. The story of a godly human going to war with the forces of evil.. what's there not to love. The Mahabharata story however was less endearing to me. I found the nobility of the five brothers to be kinda irritating, but then I am but a mere mortal so maybe it says more about me. The Gods and Demons stories were for the most part interesting consisting of shorter tales (some of which were shorter versions of the two epics but with a focus on a specific character).
Overall a worthwhile read.
As far as the stories themselves, I really enjoyed The Ramayana. The story of a godly human going to war with the forces of evil.. what's there not to love. The Mahabharata story however was less endearing to me. I found the nobility of the five brothers to be kinda irritating, but then I am but a mere mortal so maybe it says more about me. The Gods and Demons stories were for the most part interesting consisting of shorter tales (some of which were shorter versions of the two epics but with a focus on a specific character).
Overall a worthwhile read.
May 23, 2020
We are well-aware that R. K. Narayan's writing flows beautifully. Reading his stories is bliss, and thus, I picked up this thick book to read. It's a pretty good adaptation of the most popular Indian mythologies namely "The Ramayana" and "The Mahabharata". However, I found major flaws with the way this edition of the text has been edited. There were some striking grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typing errors. At one point, I could see errors on each page. So, I wouldn't recommend Penguin's edition at all!
Oh, but the short stories (Gods, Demons, and others) are brilliant. There were many of them that I had never read before. I was surely surprised to notice that there's so much more to Indian mythology than just Ramayana and Mahabharata.
If you are a mythology fan and like to read interpretations, then this might not be the right choice. It's kind of an abridged book.
Oh, but the short stories (Gods, Demons, and others) are brilliant. There were many of them that I had never read before. I was surely surprised to notice that there's so much more to Indian mythology than just Ramayana and Mahabharata.
If you are a mythology fan and like to read interpretations, then this might not be the right choice. It's kind of an abridged book.
March 5, 2016
[Only read Mahabharat.]
Technically not a bad book. Read it if you're entirely unfamiliar with the epics and need a starting point. In Mahabharat at least, all the nuances of the tale were done away with for brevity. The complexity of characters, their duality and various interpretations of morality were all missing. Narayan made this a tale about good vs evil. In places, paragraphs read like actual summaries, which was really quite off-putting.
It's a shame because Narayan is a great writer. I suppose children might enjoy this.
Technically not a bad book. Read it if you're entirely unfamiliar with the epics and need a starting point. In Mahabharat at least, all the nuances of the tale were done away with for brevity. The complexity of characters, their duality and various interpretations of morality were all missing. Narayan made this a tale about good vs evil. In places, paragraphs read like actual summaries, which was really quite off-putting.
It's a shame because Narayan is a great writer. I suppose children might enjoy this.
May 29, 2014
The book is for amateurs who would like a concise view of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Though, lots of parts have been omitted (especially from Mahabharata) to keep the volume the size it is, it does justice and is enjoyable to read. There are parts where one would realise that there are different versions floating around and the author has used only one version (e.g: Kamban's version of Ramayana). Overall a good book, read it only if you are new to Indian mythology.
April 14, 2020
Engrossing
R K Narayan writes these epics is a very lucid style. Brilliant story writer.
R K Narayan writes these epics is a very lucid style. Brilliant story writer.
December 31, 2020
Hindu mythology is one of my all-time favourites. This book by R. K. Narayan gives a brief description of all the mythological events that took place in different eras. This can also be called a miniature version of the original epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. His style of writing is entirely different from the other mythological writers. Through a story-teller, the author narrates the incidents in an informal way which makes it easy for all to understand the sequence of events.
This book deserves nothing less than a "5 star" rating!
This book deserves nothing less than a "5 star" rating!
October 15, 2023
I picked the book with the intention to read Ramayana in-detail, especially the side stories. But the book focuses on the main storyline covering some important details and side stories. Mahabharata was a quick read too. But I learned few things which I didn't know earlier. The part I enjoyed most is the "Gods, Demons and Others". Learned many new stories, stories of Harichandra and Sibi, which I only heard as references in other context.
November 21, 2020
I was excited to read a retelling of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Unfortunately, Narayan's style, which makes his Malgudi Days so readable, didn't bring the epics to life at all. I read through all of the Ramayana, but when I got the Mahabharata and realized he skipped over some of my favorite parts, I decided it wasn't worth reading any farther.
October 27, 2018
One of the finest storytellers of India retells some of the most popular Indian epics and folklores and the combination is absolutely delightful. If you are looking for a good night read or a companion during long journeys, then this book is for you.
March 24, 2018
Brilliiant Rendition.
April 22, 2020
Rendering of the Ramayana is superb.
Also the short stories on Harishchandra and Shibi.
Also the short stories on Harishchandra and Shibi.
May 29, 2020
A great interpretation of Indian epics
November 4, 2024
n this compilation, Narayan draws upon the Tamil version of The Ramayana by the poet Kamban and the original Sanskrit text of The Mahabharata attributed to Ved Vyasa. His retelling is characterized by a straightforward narrative style that captures the essence of these ancient stories while making them approachable for contemporary audiences. The book also includes a section titled "Gods, Demons and Others," which features various folklore tales that further enrich the reader's experience of Hindu mythology.
Narayan's storytelling is marked by clarity and simplicity, which allows readers unfamiliar with the original texts to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed. As one reviewer noted, "the descriptive form of traditional storytelling has been retained," making it feel like a conversation with a wise elder rather than a dry academic exercise. His love for the characters, particularly Rama from The Ramayana, shines through, inviting readers to explore themes of duty, honor, and morality.
The narratives delve into profound moral lessons, often reflecting on human nature and societal values. For instance, Narayan emphasizes the consequences of jealousy and pride in The Mahabharata, illustrating how these emotions can lead to destruction and despair. Similarly, The Ramayana explores ideals of righteousness through Rama's journey, yet it also critiques these ideals by showcasing his human flaws, such as his treatment of Sita during her trials.
Readers have praised Narayan's ability to make these epic tales relevant to modern life. One review highlighted that his retelling serves as a "treasure house of values" that can replace more inaccessible versions often found in religious texts1. The book encourages reflection on personal conduct and societal norms, making it not just a retelling but also a guide for ethical living.
However, some critiques point out that while Narayan's simplification makes the stories more digestible, it may also strip away some of the depth and complexity inherent in the original texts3. This balance between accessibility and fidelity to the source material is a recurring theme in discussions about Narayan's work.
The Indian Epics Retold by R.K. Narayan is an essential read for anyone interested in Indian literature or mythology. It successfully bridges the gap between ancient narratives and contemporary relevance, offering insights into human behavior and cultural values. Whether you are familiar with these epics or encountering them for the first time, Narayan’s retelling promises an engaging journey through India's rich literary heritage.
Narayan's storytelling is marked by clarity and simplicity, which allows readers unfamiliar with the original texts to engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed. As one reviewer noted, "the descriptive form of traditional storytelling has been retained," making it feel like a conversation with a wise elder rather than a dry academic exercise. His love for the characters, particularly Rama from The Ramayana, shines through, inviting readers to explore themes of duty, honor, and morality.
The narratives delve into profound moral lessons, often reflecting on human nature and societal values. For instance, Narayan emphasizes the consequences of jealousy and pride in The Mahabharata, illustrating how these emotions can lead to destruction and despair. Similarly, The Ramayana explores ideals of righteousness through Rama's journey, yet it also critiques these ideals by showcasing his human flaws, such as his treatment of Sita during her trials.
Readers have praised Narayan's ability to make these epic tales relevant to modern life. One review highlighted that his retelling serves as a "treasure house of values" that can replace more inaccessible versions often found in religious texts1. The book encourages reflection on personal conduct and societal norms, making it not just a retelling but also a guide for ethical living.
However, some critiques point out that while Narayan's simplification makes the stories more digestible, it may also strip away some of the depth and complexity inherent in the original texts3. This balance between accessibility and fidelity to the source material is a recurring theme in discussions about Narayan's work.
The Indian Epics Retold by R.K. Narayan is an essential read for anyone interested in Indian literature or mythology. It successfully bridges the gap between ancient narratives and contemporary relevance, offering insights into human behavior and cultural values. Whether you are familiar with these epics or encountering them for the first time, Narayan’s retelling promises an engaging journey through India's rich literary heritage.
November 9, 2023
A good hardcover book to have in my collection. This edition comprises of three parts - Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gods Demons and Others. The first two are R.K. Narayan's retakes on classical Indian epics and the third one is a collection of stories sourced from Indian mythology and folklore.
Author used Tamil poet Kamban's version of the Ramayana and sometimes gets too involved in expounding upon things which do not matter in the main narrative of the epic. I didn't like Ramayan very much in this book.
Mahabharata is much better in that respect as it doesn't deviate from the events even for a bit. The sheer volume of events in the epic must have acted as a natural barrier to delve deeper into trivial stuff.
I loved the third part as a lot of stories were new for me and other ones acted as a good revision of whatever I remembered from my childhood. Also author enjoys a lot of artistic liberty writing short stories around the peripheries of the epic which makes it even better.
Lavana - The king who learnt the mystery of time via a vision
Chudala - A king Sikhi-Dhvaja got tutored by his wife in various ways
Yayati - A father asks a child to barter youth for rewards in future
Devi - Trinity gods invite Devi to kill the asura Mahishasura
Vishwamithra - A king's ambition to become the greatest sage and compete with arch-rival Vashishtha
Manmata - God of love and how he enables Shiva and Parvathi's marriage
Ravana - Ravana and his life in a bit more depth
Valmiki - What prompted the foremost poet to write Ramayana
Draupadi - Trials and tribulation of the wife of five
Nala - Tragic love story of Nala and Damayanti
Savitri - A wife's conversation with Yama to restore her husband Satyavan
The Mispaired Anklet - A wife's fury in response to injustice done to her husband
Shakuntala - Tragic tale of Vishwamithra's daughter, wife of king Dushyanta, mother of Bharata
Harishchandra - Vishwamitra testing the ideal behaviour of king and his family
Sibi - King who is ready to sacrifice himself to the hawk to save the dove
Author used Tamil poet Kamban's version of the Ramayana and sometimes gets too involved in expounding upon things which do not matter in the main narrative of the epic. I didn't like Ramayan very much in this book.
Mahabharata is much better in that respect as it doesn't deviate from the events even for a bit. The sheer volume of events in the epic must have acted as a natural barrier to delve deeper into trivial stuff.
I loved the third part as a lot of stories were new for me and other ones acted as a good revision of whatever I remembered from my childhood. Also author enjoys a lot of artistic liberty writing short stories around the peripheries of the epic which makes it even better.
Lavana - The king who learnt the mystery of time via a vision
Chudala - A king Sikhi-Dhvaja got tutored by his wife in various ways
Yayati - A father asks a child to barter youth for rewards in future
Devi - Trinity gods invite Devi to kill the asura Mahishasura
Vishwamithra - A king's ambition to become the greatest sage and compete with arch-rival Vashishtha
Manmata - God of love and how he enables Shiva and Parvathi's marriage
Ravana - Ravana and his life in a bit more depth
Valmiki - What prompted the foremost poet to write Ramayana
Draupadi - Trials and tribulation of the wife of five
Nala - Tragic love story of Nala and Damayanti
Savitri - A wife's conversation with Yama to restore her husband Satyavan
The Mispaired Anklet - A wife's fury in response to injustice done to her husband
Shakuntala - Tragic tale of Vishwamithra's daughter, wife of king Dushyanta, mother of Bharata
Harishchandra - Vishwamitra testing the ideal behaviour of king and his family
Sibi - King who is ready to sacrifice himself to the hawk to save the dove
September 18, 2025
Let me begin with a caveat; The Indian Epics Retold: The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Gods, Demons and Others by R. K. Narayan is meant for children. Narayan narrates the tales in a way that would engage a child’s imagination, so any comparison with the original epics would be misplaced. Reading the book felt like revisiting childhood memories; like listening once again to my grandmother’s stories of Rama and Lakshmana, the legends of Krishna and Balarama, the battle of the Pandavas and Kauravas, and countless other mythological characters that filled my bedtime routine. I may have heard or read many of these stories before, but the joy of returning to them never fades.
Narayan retells the Kamba Ramayanam, which I found a little different from the Valmiki and Krittivasi versions. This is not surprising, since regional versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata often vary, having travelled through oral traditions before being written down. The Mahabharata in this retelling, however, remains close to the original. In the section Gods, Demons and Others, I came across stories familiar to me, though a few from southern India were new.
Narayan’s gift as a storyteller is well known to those who have read Malgudi Days or Swami and Friends. He brings the same clarity and charm here, simplifying the epics for young readers while still leaving traces of their deeper layers, to be explored later in life. What he omits in philosophy he makes up for in narrative energy.
The only blemish is the proofreading; there are more typos than one expects from a Penguin edition. Perhaps, Penguin Publishing House should consider reprinting the book post another round of proofreading.
Narayan retells the Kamba Ramayanam, which I found a little different from the Valmiki and Krittivasi versions. This is not surprising, since regional versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata often vary, having travelled through oral traditions before being written down. The Mahabharata in this retelling, however, remains close to the original. In the section Gods, Demons and Others, I came across stories familiar to me, though a few from southern India were new.
Narayan’s gift as a storyteller is well known to those who have read Malgudi Days or Swami and Friends. He brings the same clarity and charm here, simplifying the epics for young readers while still leaving traces of their deeper layers, to be explored later in life. What he omits in philosophy he makes up for in narrative energy.
The only blemish is the proofreading; there are more typos than one expects from a Penguin edition. Perhaps, Penguin Publishing House should consider reprinting the book post another round of proofreading.
March 13, 2022
I read this work with a lot of involvement and curiosity. The separation of Lord Rama and Sita brought tears into my eyes. The role of Hanumanji to bring Rama and Sita to reunion is impressive. The narration of the story by the author is marvelous and engaging. This book is more apt for children.
March 9, 2025
Short abridgement of the great Indian epics, in which most of the literary magic of the original texts gets missing - but still fun to read. The book is peppered with errors, it could have been edited better.
May 11, 2018
Great fun revisiting the wonderful Hindu mythologies. After all is said and done about great gods, kings and demons, there remains the imperfect man - which is a good thing. Women remain perfect.
April 12, 2020
[Only Ramayana] Narayan carries the essence, understandably omitted major details. Felt overly simplified, didn't carry the magic for me.
Want to read
April 17, 2021Jju
July 5, 2024
An amazing collection.
The perfect book for anyone looking for an authentic account of Indian Epics. An amazing source to delve into the world of Hindu Mythology.
The perfect book for anyone looking for an authentic account of Indian Epics. An amazing source to delve into the world of Hindu Mythology.
October 15, 2013
I couldn't bear reading the pooja books that preached Ramayan and Mahabharat. They were much too dry and boring for me.
In addition, it took painful efforts to understand the complex language.
This R.K. Narayan's book on Ramanyan & Mahabharat was like a novel...so refreshing..and yet covered all the details.
There were even instances, where Ram was criticized towards his actions against Bali, wherein Bali who was the death bed questions Ram in detail about what was his fault...why was he subject to this treatment?
Mahabharat covers all the details and keeps you engrossed, wanting you to never put the book down. I have to admit, it was all the more interesting for me, as I this was my 1st hand attempt over mythology, prior to this, I used to find it really exhausting and boring.
Only, the 3rd part of this novel is disappointing. It's a collection of Short stories, rightly titled as Gods, Demons and others....but they do not contain much context to carry on the interest of the reader. they are too short to hold interest. and nearly all of em, have the same basis, that good always triumphs over evil.
In addition, it took painful efforts to understand the complex language.
This R.K. Narayan's book on Ramanyan & Mahabharat was like a novel...so refreshing..and yet covered all the details.
There were even instances, where Ram was criticized towards his actions against Bali, wherein Bali who was the death bed questions Ram in detail about what was his fault...why was he subject to this treatment?
Mahabharat covers all the details and keeps you engrossed, wanting you to never put the book down. I have to admit, it was all the more interesting for me, as I this was my 1st hand attempt over mythology, prior to this, I used to find it really exhausting and boring.
Only, the 3rd part of this novel is disappointing. It's a collection of Short stories, rightly titled as Gods, Demons and others....but they do not contain much context to carry on the interest of the reader. they are too short to hold interest. and nearly all of em, have the same basis, that good always triumphs over evil.
May 16, 2012
Amazing! I first heard the stories of the epics from my mother at bedtime when I was young. I've encountered various versions in the form of comics and short stories. This compelling and succinct retelling took me in and completely immersed me in the story and in the atmosphere of ancient India. Until now, I have but had a detached knowledge of the epics. R.K. Narayan's gripping voice caused me to forge a bond with them, instilling in me a unique sense of pride and fond attachment to this legacy of India, thereby reinforcing my identity as an Indian.
July 7, 2025
I bought this book after reading "Ramayana" by the same author. Unlike Ramayana, this book shows only humans and their dilemma, notably between cousins. What stood out for me the most was the power of addiction, how a virtuous human being can fall into the vice of gambling, lose everything, and risk his family. Once more, it reinforces a central wisdom of India's culture, the bad that lies dormant in the good can rise up, dominate, and destroy. The battle between the cousins also births the philosophy of work, Bhagabad Geeta, a book thought to stand alone actually belongs to this epic.
October 21, 2014
A bare-bones version of the epics, it would perhaps draw in the uninitiated (read Western) reader. For the average Indian who's heard and seen innumerable enactments of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, there is little of interest here. Still, one is left with a profound sense of respect for the original author/s who created such engaging tales and complex characters. Purely from this viewpoint, its worth a read.
August 8, 2012
Even though i had read "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata" in my childhood, stories which come in between the main story are very difficult to remember. It was a revisit to ma childhood memories. "Ramayana" doesnt have much of twists, but "Mahabharata" is just awesome.. It has comedy,hatred,jealousy,sympathy,honesty,loyalty,cruelty.... all the drama... just love it...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews