Monday 6 February 2017

Book - The Prince of Patliputra: Reliving History Again

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Title: The Prince of Patliputra
Author: Shreyas Bhave
Publisher: Frog Books
Pages: 382
Price: Rs. 375
My Rating: 4/5

Blurb:
272 BC BHARATHVARSHA, LAIID OF THE ARYAS Samrat Bindusar, son of Chandragupta and the second Samrat Chakravartin of all the Aryas rules over the massive subcontinent from his holy seat in Patliputra. Almost five decades ago, his father had laid the wealth and glory of the past has subsided. As the Samrat's health continues to decline due to an unknown illness, problems are arising all over his realm. There is infighting and rebellion. No clear successor to him is present. Ninety nine of his sons stand in line waiting for his throne. Bharathvarsha needs a Chandragupta once again. And it needs a Chanakya too. Can the young Prince Asoka, who is the least favorite son of the Samrat, fill the boots of his grandfather? Can Radhagupta, a mere Councilor of the Court be what Chanakya was to all the Aryas? Begin a new adventure with the first book of the Ashoka trilogy as you read to find the answer to one great question- That who shall be the next Samrat of this holy land of the Aryas?

Review:
Remember the history we studied in schools? No? Well, this the book that relives it. 
Prince of Patliputra is the first part of 'Asoka's triology' which deals in 272BC and 50 years before that. It has two parallel story lines, one of Asoka and another of Chandragupta.

Talking about history, it seemed so boring when we studied it, isn't it? (Please excuse all who thought otherwise). But this book is not boring at all. While reading it, you would feel you are actually living in that era. Well, two eras actually - Asoka's and Chandragupta's and both are written beautifully and author has done justice to both. 
Chadragupta was the grandfather of Asoka and the great Samrat of India. The story lays down events of the lives of two great kings India has ever seen. One key angle to the book is of Chanakya. It is well known that Chankya enabled Chandragupta's rule but to read it from author's perspective is fresh and different.

Talking about characters, the book is full of them. Author had been smart while putting up a list in the beginning of the book to enable readers with an index. Yes, there are so many that one might get lost while reading.
Although there are many characters but author has done a good job in justifying them. You won't feel story lost of any or yearn for more details.

The writing style is rather friendly and decent. However there are small errors which can be ignored. The only thing that I didn't like was certain scenes were dragged out but given the book is overall good, one tend to get over it.

Overall, the story is full of politics, conspiracy and betrayals -but it is also laced with slight romance, which makes it perfect.

My rating to the book is - 4/5

You can grab your copy here. (Yes price is a little too much but well, it is a rather huge book and a good one too ;)



Love and Cheers

2 comments:

  1. Chandragupta is one of my most fav. characters from History, will love to read this book.

    ReplyDelete

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