Title: Rise of the Sun Prince
Author: Shubha Vilas
Publisher: Jaico Books
ISBN: 978-81-8495-530-9
Number of Pages: 217
Price [INR] : 250
Genre: Mythology
This is the second book that I have read in the recent past on Ramayana! Before picking this book, I had some inhibitions, as I had read The Exiled Prince which is a uniquely different telling of the Ramayana, narrated from a stunning new point of view – Rama’s own. I wondered what would be new or different in Rise of the Sun Prince!
And as I started reading this book, I got sucked in this mesmerizing and gripping narrative and thought provoking instruction of the world’s greatest epic which has been retold in Rise of the Sun Prince.
Rise of the Sun Prince is the first book in the series of six volumes titled “Ramayana: The Game Of Life”. This book is based on Valmiki Ramayana’s Bala Kanda but also explores other versions too. It deals with the divine story of Lord Rama from his birth up to his marriage. I believe a lot of research has been done by the author as this book showcases not only the lives of Rama and people around him but also there are a lot of stories of Gods, demigods, demons, gurus which makes for an insightful and interesting reading. The stories of how Lanka was formed or what boons were given by Lord Brahma to Ravana and his brothers and how Kumbhkarna instead of asking for nitya-tvam (eternity) asked for nidra-twam (unlimited sleep) or that the monkeys in Rama’s army were actually demigods, how Rama and his brothers were born and how they were named and many more stories engaged the reader in you.
What I liked the most about this book is the footnotes on almost every page giving detailed background information and practical learnings culled from the various facets of this epic story. The various principles and laws viz the law of self control, awareness, trusteeship, balance, the principles of marriage shared in the book elucidate how these can be applied in all our relationships. and these words of wisdom can help us navigate and steer the ship of life through stormy seas and clear skies alike.
The language in the book is simple and compelling and the narrative is crisp and vivid!
It is said that Ramayana is not a book, it’s a way of life and through this book the one can look at life in a newer perspective!
Highly recommended for all those who enjoy reading Indian Mythology.
Rating : [usr 4 text=”false” size=20]
18 Responses
I much prefer learning about cultures other than my own from people who live in that culture. That is one of the reasons I like visiting your blog, Shilpa; I get exposure to many books about India and her citizens by the authors who live there which I would not otherwise come to know. Thank you so much!
It’s the same here, LuAnn. I am so glad that our paths crossed this April and I am loving the books you share and even your author interviews are so insightful. Meeting you is the bestest takeaway from the A to Z Challenge this year 🙂 ♥
Mythology is not really my cup of tea, in general, but this books does look promising!
You’re on a book review spree, I notice! 🙂
I know what you mean, Corinne. I liked the way the story of Ramayana is retold in this book. Yes, have a huge pile to read and review! 😛
Interesting review seems a good book to read. Thanks and cheers 🙂
Glad you liked the review, Dilip. Yes, I enjoyed reading it 🙂
I not a much fan of mythological books. I haven’t yet read the Ramayana. since childhood I have known the story as any other child would have, so I think its time to start reading into details and this book might be the best one to start.
It’s the same with me. Have read Ramayana stories here and there, as a child and seen it on TV long time ago. Reading this book was a like a refresher course and got to learn a lot of new stories and insights too!
Another interesting review and seems an interesting read. i enjoy more mythology dipped in fiction like Asura and Shiva Triogy-makes it so interesting and enjoyable.
Cheers
Yes, The Shiva Trilogy is pretty popular, though somehow it didn’t interest me much!
This is the second review i have read on the book .. and it does seem to be a good book
Bikram
It surely is an interesting and an insightful read! 🙂
I too enjoy the various side stories that we come across in the epics. After a post a day last month(well almost), you are now doing a book and a review a day it seems Shilpa. I admire your dedication 🙂
True, some of the side-stories were long forgotten and some were good to be discovered! Thanks, Reshma for your kind words… have some time and a lot to catch up… so these books and reviews 🙂
do i envy you? you bet i do!!!! u are on a roll girl, reading so many books and belting out one review after another!!! this one looks promising too!
I am laughing out loud, S 😀
Do check it out, whenever you can. Am sure you will like it too 🙂
Hi Shilpa
I agree on every word. Had posted my review too in December at http://sweetyshinde.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/complexity-of-ideas-and-simplicity-of-words-rise-of-sun-prince/
What’s more, I have met the author and he is a fascinating orator. Are you based in Mumbai? He has a 3-day seminar in June. Check out on his events section of Goodreads.
Read your review and you have raised some valid points! Thanks for sharing about that, Sweety!
Wow… you have met the author… that’s so cool. No, I am not based at Mumbai! Are you from Mumbai? If yes, you must get all your queries sorted! 🙂