Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan | Book Review
This book presents insightful stories from our epic. I enjoyed reading the ones involving Ravana and the Vanaras, as they are my favorites. Just like the title, these are not mere stories, but a lot of lessons are imparted through Ramayana.
But despite the constraints of time and the need for brevity, Neelakantan has been able to touch upon the important events in the life of Lord Rama and has interspersed the text with the lofty philosophical lessons that we can draw from this divine epic.
He throws light on the enduring life lessons that we can draw from this magnum opus. The nuggets of moral lessons the author highlights truly sparkle all through the narrative. The recurrent theme that forms a common thread all through the narrative is the concept of “Karma” and “Karma Phala” – the unending cycle of action and the results of those actions. In the Hindu concept, even Gods are not spared the negative impact of any undesirable act that has knowingly or unknowingly been committed by them.
As we know, there are many versions of Ramayanas, and the one in the book is the one that Anand was raised with, from his father, tending towards Valmiki's version. Reading Ramayana from Anand is a different vibe itself. His excellent knack of storytelling elevates the spirit of reading. This is the main reason I recommend young adults to read his books.
As we know, there are many versions of Ramayanas, and the one in the book is the one that Anand was raised with, from his father, tending towards Valmiki's version. Reading Ramayana from Anand is a different vibe itself. His excellent knack of storytelling elevates the spirit of reading. This is the main reason I recommend young adults to read his books.
Overall, Neelakantan’s Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons is more than just a retelling—it is a scholarly yet accessible exploration of how mythology adapts to time, place, and ideology. With his signature engaging style, the author presents well-researched insights that shed light on lesser-known aspects of the Ramayana, making this book a must-read for history buffs, mythology lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
This entire book was an absolute delight. Reading this helped me brush up my basics and keep up my knowledge. The writing is simple and keeps the readers going.
This entire book was an absolute delight. Reading this helped me brush up my basics and keep up my knowledge. The writing is simple and keeps the readers going.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Purchase Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons here.
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Your insights into how Neelakantan delves into the multifaceted nature of the Ramayana, especially through characters like Ravana and the Vanaras, highlight the depth of his storytelling. I appreciate how you emphasized the author's ability to weave philosophical lessons, particularly the themes of "Karma" and "Karma Phala," into the narrative. Your recommendation for young adults to explore his works, given his engaging storytelling style, is spot-on. This review has definitely piqued my interest in revisiting these timeless epics through Neelakantan's perspective.
ReplyDeleteI am not very fond of mythology. I feel it creates more illusions. But, then it also has lessons, if we read between the lines and take a larger perspective. This book seems to be working along those lines.
ReplyDeleteInteresting review of Many Ramayanas Many lessons. It is so beautiful that are mythologies are still relevant today and there are so many facets to all the characters. This makes interesting reading to all intepretations.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I feel its an amazing insightful book to read. Will get my hands on it
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an interesting read! I love how different versions of the Ramayana offer new perspectives and lessons. Anand Neelakantan’s storytelling always makes mythology so engaging.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate and enjoy reading when authors delve into mythology with their own research and perspectives, offering fresh insights into ancient tales. Anand Neelakantan's Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons seems to exemplify this approach, providing new ways to understand these timeless stories. Thank you for introducing his work!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate and enjoy reading when authors delve into mythology with their own research and perspectives, offering fresh insights into ancient tales. Anand Neelakantan's Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons seem sto exemplify this approach, providing new ways to understand these timeless stories. Thank you for introducing his work!
ReplyDeleteI loved Anand's books; i read Valmiki women last year and absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteHistory is not my genre. And specially Ramayan...not at all. But still I like your book review. You put in a simple language with highlight of books and authors writing style and perspective.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how many books we read on the Ramayana, it still interests us in some way. That's the beauty of the story. How would you rate the book on a scale of 5?
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. Do you think this would be a good version to gift my 15 year old? I want him to learn more about our stories.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a great read. Loved how Anand Neelakantan brings out lessons from the Ramayana, especially the parts with Ravana and the Vanaras. The focus on Karma and how even gods aren’t spared really makes you think. I’m definitely adding this to my list—seems like a must-read for anyone into mythology.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
Super! My love for retelling tales from our puranas and itihasas is rooted in Anand Neelakantan's books. I like his writing a lot, and so, this goes into my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI read/listen/watches Ramayana in multiple ways. Initially My dadi used to do the reading during pujas chapter by chapter daily, i used to hear her, then papa introduced Ramayana through Amar Chitra Katha, Then the serial Ramayana arrived, then I read the adult version of Ramayana, then our fellow blogger Ratna ji came up with different angles of the mythology and now this book... not yet read will definately read as I want to know the angle the author here shared in his version.
ReplyDeleteYour insightful review captures the essence of the book while highlighting the author's exploration of various versions of the Ramayana. The profound lessons they impart showcases the depth of his research and storytelling prowess. I appreciate your recommendation for young adults to delve into Neelakantan's works, as his engaging narrative style indeed offers a fresh perspective on traditional epics. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful analysis; it has piqued my interest in reading this book.
ReplyDeleteRamayana and it's lessons are timeless. Every event has something to teach us and the concept of Karma sure finds its way into many of our stories. This book sounds interesting. Will check it out.
ReplyDeleteI love Anand Neelakantan's books. This one is equally fascinating and I will soon pick it up.
ReplyDeletethis looks like an interesting read. I specially liked the take of "mythology adapting to time, place, and ideology".
ReplyDeleteI love how this article explores the deeper lessons of the Ramayana, especially focusing on "Karma" and "Karma Phala." Neelakantan’s storytelling brings fresh insights to this ancient epic, making it relatable!
ReplyDeleteMarketing is an indispensable skill. Something that I need to learn desperately. Will pick up this book for sure.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read this ..maybe at a later date
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of Anand's writing and when I received this book I knew this would be an enriching read. The book definitely is a keeper
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