The
year will end soon. If you ask me which book released in the year 2014 I liked the
most, it would not be difficult for me to answer. Undoubtedly Birth
of the Bastard Prince by Anurag Anand is one of the most beautifully
written book I have ever read.
The
book is a sequel to Anurag's earlier novel by name The Legend of
Amrapali. Unlike Mahabharata and Ramayana, though people have heard
of Amrapali, her story is little known to them. This works in favour
of Anurag. The book keeps you intrigued. It is a daunting task to
write a book based on history. There is fear of being accused of
distorting the history. However, Anurag adroitly weaves the story
while sticking to historical facts. The story has all the elements to
form an epic – there is love, betrayal, loss of dear ones,
friendships broken and finding the ultimate calling of life.
Amrapali
was the bride of the city. Yet Anurag portrays her not as a
prostitute but as a modern woman who yields high influence in the
affairs of the State. Yet, she comes across as an ordinary woman with
ordinary desires of having some one whom she can call her own,
wanting some one who will love her and whom she would love back.
Such is her misfortune that both her lover and her friend fail her at the
same time. She is heartbroken, but still stands up and follows the
voice of her heart. Conventionally Amrapali's tale may seem to be a tragic tale of exploitation and failure but for her it turns out to be exhilarating
and liberating.
The
writing is simple, crisp and engaging. Vaishali being a democratic
State Anurag makes the writing contemporary with references like the
young king wanting to induct fresh ministers. He brings to life the
times of Amrapali. The way in which he has written the war scenes
show his prowess as a writer. You can see the battle happening in front of your
own eyes, you can hear the sounds from the battle field and even feel
the pain resultant from the massacre. All the characters including
Bimbisara, Ajatshatru, Prabha have been etched well. However, I felt
that the character of Devdutt was underused. His character some how
doesn't gel well with the narrative. The characters, their
relationships and conflicts inter se are high point of this drama and
remind you of the greatest epic of all times Mahabharata.
However
the reference to tea vendors selling tea on Ganga ghats sounded out
of place. The same stands true for use of the word Magistrate. The
Britishers introduced Magistrates in our system. I feel Dandadhikari
would have sounded better. Also on page 234 the word leant is
incorrectly used. The line is “ it was only through the commander
who had carried out the Emperor's orders he leant of it.” I feel it
should have been learnt and not leant.
Still
the book is highly recommended. If you are fed up of reading Dan Brown inspired thrillers and wish to read a gripping thriller set in the Indian soil, this is the book which will leave you
satiated. You will never repent buying this book.
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