‘Rita Chowdhury is an energetic and empathetic storyteller’ AMITAV GHOSHAN UNFORGETTABLE TALE OF LOVE, AMBITION, RIVALRY AND FATE PLAYS OUT IN AN EPIC CLASH OF THRONES.WINNER OF THE SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARDThe unexpected demise of Prince Mriganko of Gobha, orchestrated by his rival, King Jokanko, has sent shockwaves of sorrow rippling not only through his grieving parents but also the entire kingdom. Then, in a surprising twist, Jokanko voluntarily surrenders himself. Abi Konsari, the custodian of the threads of the past, must now unravel the sequence of events that led to this tragic fate, even as long-buried truths about bloodlines and tumultuous histories come to light.At the heart of Gobha lies a story of power and prophecy. Years earlier, the young and radiant Queen Chandraprabha was banished by her husband for supposedly nurturing an amorous desire. In a foreign land she later transformed into Konsari. Despite her efforts to start anew, her son Mriganko became ensnared in a ceaseless cycle of ambition and greed, navigating perilous landscapes marked by rival kings and their malevolent schemes. Now, burdened by his mother’s curse and armed with the truth, Jokanko must alter his destiny, wielding a divine sword that can bestow boundless might upon its owner. As dynasties clash and kingdoms crumble, an intense battle ensues among men hungry for the sword’s limitless power. All the while, the wheels of destiny continue to turn inexorably ...Originally published in Assamese as Deo Langkhui, this stupendous novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008. It weaves an epic saga of love and sacrifice, revenge and redemption, immersing thereader in the blood-soaked tapestry of Assamese history.
Rita Chowdhury is an award-winning Assamese poet and writer. A former associate professor at Cotton University, Rita is currently the director of the National Book Trust, India.
An important voice in contemporary Assamese literature, Rita has written fifteen novels that portray a vivid picture of her strife-torn state.
Chinatown Days (Makam) is one of her best-known works.
Name : The Divine Sword Author : Rita Chowdhury Translator: Reeta Borbora Genre : Translated Assamese historical fiction
My 💭: [07/04/24 7.45PM]
First of all, I had NO idea that the genre of this book is historical fiction. After reading so many fantasy books, I gave one glance at the cover and assumed that it is a historical fantasy. And the Goodreads blurb also insinuated the same. So, anyway, here we are. 🙈
So, the story is set in Assamese history when kings and kingdom-hood were still prevalent. The story focuses on a particular family line, who, if I might add, are cursed with miseries. Unpredictable blows keep happening one after another to the kings of this family. And at the centre of this tragedy, lies the terrible painful history of the matriarch, Konsari. Like seriously, the family couldn't catch a break. So many times they were on the brink of actually leading a happy life as a family, but then another tragedy lands upon them. If anything, this book taught me about the nature of life, that nothing is constant. Happiness, sadness everything comes rolling on the wheel of time. I felt anger, hatred, empathy, sympathy, happiness, sadness - all within this one multi-generational story.
The best part that I loved about this book was the various indigenous Assamese traditions. Being a Bengali myself, I had no idea that there were so many similarities between Bengali and Assamese practices. I loved loved loved reading about the daily chores and activities of the women in their story and how self maintained they were, irrespective of their terrible circumstances. They were the pillars of this story, holding it taut.
As you guys already know, there's only one sub genre under 'Fiction' genre that I don't have patience for, at all and that's historical fiction. Idk, it has always felt very slow to me. And I have never finished a book of this genre, until today. Yep, you read it right. I finished this book and actually kinda liked it.
Yes, it is 'kinda' because I don't totally enjoy stories with very slow pace. I understand that it's the pace only that sets the background of the story, but I am a very impatient reader. I want things to HAPPEN. In this story also, there was a LOT of reminiscence and 75% of this story happens in the past. The divine sword itself is mentioned in the last quarter of the story. But but! The fact that I finished the story tells you how interesting the storyline was.
If you loved Game of Thrones, minus the magic, you'll like this book. So many political, historical and emotional aspects of this book! The intricate writing style of the author will cast a spell on you and immerse you in this book.
This book will definitely make you take a step back and take a look at your life as a whole, and appreciate whatever little happiness you have in your life right now.
And finally, 3 hours later after finishing this book, I am understanding the significance of the title of the book. It blew my mind 😮!
Spans across three generations, 'The Divine sword' brings you the history of Assam and a powerful woman named Konsari. The story started with the sudden death of Mriganko, Konsari's son. Jokanko, the killer came forward but Konsari embraced him into the Kingdom confusing the subjects and readers alike. With that start, we were told how Chandraprabha became Konsari after she came into Ghoba and how she became one of them. And her son, Mriganko's story brings us love, heartbreak, betrayal and the worst mistake he made. The twists and turns that unravel when Konsari walked down the memory lane made me think how worse it can get but it did again and again. And the history repeats for Jokanko. He made the worst mistake first and then life brought him Sukumola and he lived a happy life with her but fate and destiny brought him the sad end he was cursed into.
I've to talk about my favourite characters in this book. One is Konsari. She is too powerful and her mind is super strong. Even after getting hurt repeatedly, she held her mind strong and acted as the queen, her people deserved. And Sadhukumar, what a gem of a person he was! Such a good human and has the best intention and the King(deoraja) the world deserves. How can I not talk about Xunxira, who was introduced as a maid for Konsari when she came to Ghobha but became her nannao(younger sister) in no time. She's always been there for Konsari and everyone. I especially loved the parts where she became old and talked freely once she had joo. And Gangavati, what a strong leader she was! I was sad how her life turned upside down after her break-up with Mriganko.
Even though I hated the Aryan king, Pratapchandra, I came to terms on my own once I learnt how he lived post the biggest mistake he made. The only person I hated was Dhaneswar. What a vile and evil man he was.
We see so many sacrifices throughout the story but no-one escaped the fate. It's heavily plot and action driven, and this gave me an introduction to Assamese history. Of course, this book was awesome, it's a #sahityaakademiawardwinner 💜 Do check it out!
many thanks to panmacmillan india for sending me this review copy
The Divine Sword is my first 5 star read of the month and i couldn't recommend it to you enough. it has a perfect blend of everything that i love (and that i am) - there are stunning visual images of the varied cultures of the different tribes in assam (that too in a more or less limited geographical sphere), the different festivals, ways of living, politics, everyday economic happenings as well the scenarios among different kingdoms, marriages and such other rituals and so many other themes too. at its center is one family and the ways in which it has all scattered (knowingly or otherwise) and the way in which they all come together too. it is a multigenerational saga that delivers not just on the emotional aspect, but more so on the world around them too. I absolutely loved this specific fact about the book - the view was not just limited or focused too closely on the main characters only. We get to see other important characters as well, and the way in which everybody interacts whether its with each other, or social codes of conduct. it is also a very emotional book - and really touched upon the human condition. i actually do not quite remember the last book that made me cry before this one. it evoked a myriad range of feelings in me - i was angry, surprised, awed, sad, jubilantly happy and what not. this is a very wholesome book and it is finally now that i understand why everyone around me kept praising the litereary masterpiece that is 'Deo Langkhui" (the original Assamese title of this book). No wonder it got the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2008! I have previously read Rita Chowdhury's Chinatown Days (translated from the original Assamese novel "Makam") and that story coupled with Chowdhury's storytelling had really grasped me too. And now I am so glad that I could read TDS as well. I also applaud Reeta Borbora for her brilliant translation, thus helping in bringing out this masterpiece for a larger non-Assamese-reading crowd as well! An obvious 5 star read for me!
Rita Chowdhury, a Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author, is an energetic and empathetic storyteller, as Amitav Ghosh notes. In The Divine Sword, Chowdhury spins a breathtaking tale of love, ambition, and fate, set against the backdrop of Assamese history. Originally written in Assamese as Deo Langkhui, this novel is a multigenerational saga that explores the power struggles and deep-rooted rivalries of royal families. With the sudden death of Prince Mriganko and the subsequent surrender of King Jokanko, the novel quickly hooks readers into an intense narrative filled with prophecy, betrayal, and redemption.
What I truly enjoyed about The Divine Sword is its sweeping portrayal of Assamese culture—tribal life, rituals, and political tensions are vividly captured, making the setting as much a character as the people in the story. Chowdhury’s ability to delve beyond the central characters, allowing the world around them to breathe and come alive, is one of the book’s most compelling elements. Through its exploration of history and family dynamics, the story makes readers feel deeply connected to the people of Gobha and their struggles, while offering a nuanced perspective on power and its consequences.
Emotionally, this book packs a punch. It explores the human condition with intensity—love, loss, heartbreak, and redemption are weaved seamlessly throughout. I found myself feeling everything from anger and awe to deep sadness and joy, and few books have moved me as profoundly as this one. Konsari, one of the most powerful and resilient characters, stands out for her strength and wisdom, while figures like Sadhukumar and Xunxira add depth and humanity to the tale. Every character, even those flawed like Pratapchandra and Dhaneswar, contributes to a rich tapestry of emotions and complexity.
In short, The Divine Sword is a masterpiece of historical fiction, blending mythology, history, and human drama in a way that’s unforgettable.
Valmiki wrote Ramayana, Vyas wrote Mahabharata, and Rita wrote Deo Langkhui. Yes, it's that kind of epic.
Where history meets folktales, we get an epic saga that is The Divine Sword. Tales of kings and queens, love sacrificed for honor and country, avarice, war, and divine intervention; we've got it all.
The Divine Sword starts with the death of Mriganko, Konsari's son, and goes back in time to bring us up to date. It's a story of three generations of kings, but it's one queen who dominates the storyline - Konsari. She's an epitome of how an outsider won the love, royalty, and respect of the Gobha people. She is undemanding and simple, and that's what made her the most powerful woman.
Rita's writing is a social commentary on customs and culture while bringing forth some important aspects of history. She's so descriptive of celebrations, food habits, and clothing of the time that brings words to life.
The characters are her shades of black or white mostly. I have a few favorites, especially dear Xunxira, a companion maid for Konsari, whose words flow freely after a few cups of joo (rice beer).
The prose is littered with ethnic words that regale the beauty of the original. While reading, one has to keep in mind that though Axom is one state today, in the medival times it was broken into smaller tribal regions which is the focus of the story, therefore words from across dialects dominate. Despite hailing from the region, I had trouble understanding a few Bodo/Kachari words. It's advisable to have Google translate at hand to enjoy it to the fullest.
If you're looking for an immersive folklore from Assam, dig your toes into Deo Langkhui. Rita will regale you with a tale like none other. Thank you, Reeta Borbora, for making this accessible to a wider audience.
This is a captivating and enthralling novel that delves into the realms of love, ambition, rivalry, fate and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of ancient Assamese history the story starts with the death of Mriganko Konasari’s son then the narrative takes the readers to the history of three generations of kings but it’s one queen that takes the spotlight in the plot that is Konsari an outsider to takes over the royalty and wins the trust and love of Gobha community.
The author's writing is masterful, weaving together mythological tales, historical events, and philosophical insights with remarkable skill. The characters are multi-dimensional and complex. The novel explores themes of identity, duty, love and sacrifice.
The author's use of language is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to a richly detailed world of ancient temples, mystical forests, and beautiful palaces. The storyline weaves together the saga of revenge, redemption love, sacrifice making the narrative even more captivating.
The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action and quiet introspection. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and invested however the plot gets complex after a certain point in the narrative which made it difficult for me to grasp.
Now what does this story offer? The story offers below mentioned elements that make it even more entertaining to read.
- Mythological and historical elements - Strong female protagonists - Themes of identity, duty, revenge,love and self-discovery - Immersive storytelling and vivid world-building
This book is an excellent choice. If you want to read about the themes mentioned above.
Overall, "The Divine Sword" is a compelling and unforgettable read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mythology, and fantasy.
What struck me most about this book was the character development. From the very first page, the characters leap off the page with life and authenticity. As the story unfolds, you can't help but be drawn into their struggles, triumphs, and the inevitable changes they undergo. Each character is meticulously crafted, making their journeys feel deeply personal and relatable.
The plot is equally compelling. Chaudhry's storytelling is so engaging that it’s hard to put the book down. The narrative is tightly woven, with each chapter ending in a way that makes you eager to turn the page. The historical context adds richness to the story, transporting you to a time and place that feels both distant and immediate.
Overall, "A Divine Sword" is not just a novel—it's an experience. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and a gripping plot, this book is an absolute must-read. It’s one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it, leaving you reflecting on its themes and characters.
The Divine Sword is a tragic story that spans three generations, bringing forth the history of the Tiwa society. The tragedy of Jongal Bolohu that I have only ever read in passing is an important part of this story.
I am so glad that I read this. Reading this book has stirred in me a desire to read more of northeastern authors. The simplicity and authenticity that northeastern writers possess is definitely unparalleled. Maybe because most of their stories are rooted in truth and so much is connected to the history of the region.
I am reading 'Chinatown Days' by the same author next which is another translated work from Assamese to English. The novel was first published as 'Makam' in Assamese. So excited!!!
Deo Langkhui: You know it’s a good one when you leave everything aside to finish it in 2 days.
A historical fiction where history repeats and miseries seems never ending. My heart goes out to all women characters of this book; and to Sadhukumar .
I loved how different communities of Assam are described giving emphasis to their costume, habits and cuisines. ( The description of various cuisines is mouthwatering at times).
The fact that the Tiwa community was way ahead of its time with regard to women and society is so well described via Konsari’s observation.
Some books are really hard to read but once you start you understand their depths. Deo Langkhui is one such book. By far the best Assamese novel I have read so far. The novel dives into the lives of Tiwa people of Assam and their medieval society. It depicts the simplicity of the people.
Deo Langkhui is also a novel about vain Kings, opportunists hyenas and tragic & heartbroken Women, Queens and Daughters. It's Rita Choudhury's finest work. Must read!
This novel has immensely effective towards me. The characters that are portrayed so beautifully. My personal favourite character is Hadhukumar the character is presented so elegantly I even started manifesting a person like him. The story has it's own Beauty. Each and every character the sacrifices they made and the ending they got is heart aching . I would strongly recommend you this book.
"An immersive journey through Assamese history, 'The Divine Sword' weaves a captivating tale of love, ambition, and destiny. While occasionally weighed down by detail, its rich tapestry and compelling themes make it a worthwhile read. With vivid descriptions and complex characters, it's a fascinating exploration of history and human nature."
Beautiful story telling, I could feel the flow of love and untold feelings between generations..a beautiful way she expressed pain and regret and consequences of time.
The first read of '25. I absolutely love this book. I got more interested in Assam history after reading this book. The author gave equal importance to all characters and they will leave a mark on my mind.I got to know about the Tiwa tribe( one of the indigenous tribes of Assam), their culture, their words that all are amazing.I highly recommend this book to read at least once in one's lifetime.