Bridge of Rama (Ramayana) [Paperback]

The best part about his writings are that characters are so human, yet not so ordinary humans. It gives me a chance to identify with them through their weaknesses and their mental fights and when they overcome it, motivates me to do the same.

When Hanuman was being seduced, ooffff, so human he was. When Rama scolds Laxman on thinking negative as to what might happen to Sita, how human he was, when Sita declines to go with Hanuman, citing that Rama should come and avenge her, how human she was (although not many would agree here).

All the characters, especially Hanuman, have so much single minded purpose in their lives, the era was so different, and yet not so different from the present times. Except, as the characters argue, it is the sense of Dharma which has changed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now waiting eagerly for the next volume, not that I would like to know what happens, but would like to read how Ashok makes it happen.

Banker’s writing improves with every book, and this one is certainly better than the last one- in the sense that gold is better than silver. His style, however, remains the same. I love the way his flowing language paints a picture of every scene for you. He delves into the thoughts of his characters, until you begin to feel their emotions too. Banker has always paid attention to character development, but this art is a specialty of this book. Hanuman, predictably, is an important protagonist in this book, more so even than Rama, but Mandodhari, the wife of Ravana, also plays an important role in this book. Read it to find out what her role is, exactly.

There are certain aspects of Banker’s writing that I’ve grown to love after having followed the series for about three years. Like how he gets into every character’s shoes. The narration itself changes to suit the view and mood of the character in question- and so it is angry, delighted, disgusted, and pleased. There’s other stuff too. Like his use of the phrase ‘And yet’. Like how he breathes life into inanimate objects. My only disappointment was the burning of Lanka- it is covered too quickly, in about half a chapter, unlike the other great events in the series. Sure, there is a long and delightful account of how Hanuman wreaks havoc inside Ravana’s tower, a real treat. But the burning was something I was really looking forward to reading in Banker’s unique style and I had expected it to be at least half as long as the account of the abduction of Sita in the previous book. But this, you see, is the problem with retellings, no matter how good they are. You expect something, and if the author fails to fulfil it, you are disappointed. But the author can’t fulfil your expectations, because what he writes springs out of his own mind. So I can’t really blame anything on AKB, I can only resolve to read the next book as if I had no clue about the real Ramayana. But, from what I hear, ‘King of Ayodhya’ is going to be full of surprises anyway, so if I read it with an open mind, they’ll all be pleasant ones.

So, in the final verdict, I’ll rate this book at 4.5/5, although I can’t say why I’m knocking off that half point. Maybe I’m reserving the 5/5 for book six. Or maybe I’m just mean, like some teachers I know. I can’t say, because I don’t know myself. I’ll get back to you on that. :)

Loved the part when Rama urges Hanuman that if all your power comes from me, then use it at once (when a stone hillock is coming down at Hanuman and others). It has been described so beautifully, so much love in the paragraph, I had some dew drops in my eyes.

The best part about his writings are that characters are so human, yet not so ordinary humans. It gives me a chance to identify with them through their weaknesses and their mental fights and when they overcome it, motivates me to do the same.

When Hanuman was being seduced, ooffff, so human he was. When Rama scolds Laxman on thinking negative as to what might happen to Sita, how human he was, when Sita declines to go with Hanuman, citing that Rama should come and avenge her, how human she was (although not many would agree here).

All the characters, especially Hanuman, have so much single minded purpose in their lives, the era was so different, and yet not so different from the present times. Except, as the characters argue, it is the sense of Dharma which has changed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now waiting eagerly for the next volume, not that I would like to know what happens, but would like to read how Ashok makes it happen.