Book Info
Name of Book : Janaka and Ashtavakra
Author : Ashraf Karayath
Publisher : Rupa Publications
Publication Date : 6 July 2020
No. of Pages : 213
Format : Paperback
Why did I choose the book ?
Janaka and Ashtavakra by Ashraf Karayath was offered as a part of the blog tour in exchange of an honest review. I have always loved mythology fiction books, so no point in missing this one.
Where to get the book ?
Janaka and Ashtavakra by Ashraf Karayath is available on Amazon :
Author Introduction
Ashraf Karayath was born in Nadapuram, a village in Kerala, India. After finishing his MA in English Literature, he migrated to Dubai in 1991. He has twenty-five years of business experience coupled with a background in management philosophy. Despite his professional preoccupations, he continues in his quest to unravel the timeless knowledge of ancient Indian culture.
Blurb
The story of a sage Ashtavakra and his disciple king Janaka is one of the most gripping yet unknown episodes from the Ramayana. A young boy Ashtavakra goes to king janaka’s Court to debate the kingdom most learned sages but is ridiculed by the courtiers for his deformed body. After the boy triumphs in the debate, Janaka realizes that the boy has an extraordinary intellect and becomes his disciple. While Janaka is obsessed with his quest for spiritual liberation, a treacherous plan unfolds inside the secretive world of the royal palace. Very soon war clouds gather on the horizon of Mithila, but all Janaka does is devote more and more time to the young sage. Even though the whole world believes a calamity is imminent, Janaka stays on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Ultimately, with ashtavakra’s guidance, the king enters the realm of a new world which alters the reality for him and his kingdom. This novel is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual wisdom and philosophy, but with new interpretations of the concepts of liberation, enlightenment, consciousness and the realities of life. Among others, It seeks to answer the question: is everything we see indeed an illusion? This compelling story sheds light on the modern readers’ existential questions, leading them to relate to the king and his struggles.
My Opinion
Captivating Fictional Narrative................
Janaka and Ashtavakra by Ashraf Karayath is a captivating narration of the events before Sita Syamvara. There are many people who have read Ramayana, but this part is an untold one. The world-building in this book is truly remarkable. The author masterfully creates a spiritual tale, and readers are transported to awe-inspiring and majestic mythological cities. The attention to detail is evident, making it easy to imagine the vivid tapestry of the mythological world. The protagonist, Raja Janaka, undergoes personal growth and face formidable challenges that shapes his identity. The author's meticulous research and accuracy are apparent throughout the narrative.
Definitely the book deserves 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading the book and would likely to recommend it for beginners in reading.
Ratings
- Recommendation -------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cover ---------------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Climax -------------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Writing Style ------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Characters ---------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Plot ------------------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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