Reviewing Palace of Assassins: The Rise of Ashwatthama by Aditya Iyengar

Is everything fair in Love and War?

Does the end justify the means?

Seen from an individuals perspective, I personally believe there's no real right or wrong. Everything is relative and defined by what one believes or what circumstances one goes through. War ravages families. Even the side that wins a war, loses a lot in battle. Does war really serve its purpose?

The Palace of Assassins is a book that promises a lot in terms of intrigue and insights into a great warrior on the aftermath of the greatest battle. Very little is ever written about the losing side in a war. Its always about the winner, the purported good guy (bad guys rarely win).
In the context of the Mahabarath were the Pandavas really the good guys? Did they really fight fair? Did they deserve the kingdom when it was their father who willingly relinquished the throne?

Aditya Iyengar deals with a very interesting aspect of the Mahabarath. The Palace of Assassins follows the Life of Ashwattama (albeit it as a work of fiction) and how he fairs after the end of the great battle, having been cursed with Immortality and Leprosy by Lord Krishna.
In this fast paced and well written book which is definitely a page turner, we delve deep into the psyche of Ashwattama and live through the pain of the curse that's been bestowed on him.
A notable portion of the book is dedicated to father-son relationship that Ashwattama shared with Dronacharya and how he was trained and treated by his father so as to become 1 of the greatest warriors of the era and is a delightful read.

The story essentially revolves around his recovery or part thereof  after the war is over with the help of the Woman who saves and him and who he subsequently falls in love with, then goes on to meet a group of Kaurava supporters who are willing to go to any lengths to kill the Pandavas and their remaining lineage so that the war ends in their favor and they exact revenge. (Needless to say he was not successful for else history would be different).

So what climax can we expect? Aditya has attempted weave some suspense and mystery at the conclusion of the book but I personally couldn't help feel that there was a  Bollywood meets Harry Potter angle to the who thing. (Am suggesting Horcrux references - for this you will need to read the book. Although I think one of the better aspects of the book was the Horcrux angle and I hope there was more focus on that in this, or perhaps in the subsequent books to follow.)
While I wouldn't call it a cliched ending, one wouldn't be left in awe at the climax of the story. That doesn't in any way take away from the story and I still think its a fascinating subject that surely has tremendous scope.

Revenge, guts, deceit, will power, patience, cunning, intelligence, sheer willingness to go through hell to achieve what you want and more, are various characteristics that we come across in the various characters of the book.
The unfortunate part is that these qualities are not all necessarily ones we see in Ashwattama but in the others in the story.

For somebody who was considered one of the greatest warriors of his era, Ashwattama is not portrayed with the same power, intensity or intelligence that one would expect which is a bit of a let down to me personally.

In conclusion, I would still definitely recommend this book as a must read and hope that the remaining books only get better from here.

The journey and perspective of Ashwattama is one that should surely be written and learnt by us all.

Image courtesy Flipkart

Reviewing "Seasons of the Palm" by Perumal Murugan

"Seasons of the Palm" is a story that will challenge your every belief and question all you thought was right. You will experience a pendulum of emotions that will make you livid at the mis-treatment meted out yet feel pitiful for the characters. From anger to sadness to pain and numbness at the end, it we'll leave you drained and yet introspective. 

A book with an intrinsic story about society and the differences we create amongst us. A story that's extremely relevant In India given our political discussions over progress and inclusion of everybody in the path to happiness and equality.

The disparity with which people are seen is starkly portrayed in perhaps one of the most poetic languages you will ever come across in your reading journeys.

It's a world where Animals are accorded more respect and value than human life. 

Perumal Murugan is an extremely conscientious writer who with words can bring to life every situation. His prose is detailed, poetic and exceptionally vivid. He paints pictures with words that starkly brings the story to life.

This book is grounded in reality and presented in a very simple and powerful manner. Apolitical in nature with no malevolence, it simply shares a powerful and moving perspective of human life

The Seasons of the palm is narrated across 3 sections that highlights not only the struggles that Shorty and his fellow untouchable brethren go through but also that of his masters' son who wants to break free from his own chains. 

Part 1 focuses on the Life, living conditions & relationships between Shorty and his co-untouchable slaves (Slaves because that's how they are treated). About the trials and tribulations of the group that sticks together as they are the only source of comfort and companionship in an otherwise dreary and meaningless life.

We see how they bond with each other, befriend each other and make their otherwise miserable lives worth living. We discover the roller coaster of emotions and problems they go through while serving their masters.

Part 2 goes into depth of the relationship between Shorty and his master's son. Boys of a similar age. One destined to a life of slavery, the other a slave to customs and society. Both wanting, needing someone to be with, to befriend, to understand their problems and yet they have this wall between them that can't be breached. We discover how talent and skill is God's gift where there's no difference between master and slave but our society places value of a persons life based on caste and creed and not merit.

Part 3 highlights the most emotional phase in the story. How justice is blinded, where the downtrodden have no say of voice. How punishment is meted out in unequal measure simply because one belongs to the untouchable class of society.

Some books educate while others entertain. While some simply help pass the time. This book helps us introspect and question all that we think is just and fair.