Book review- Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi (Ramachandra Series- Part 1)

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The book is the first part of the Ramchandra Series. Recently the fourth part in the series was released (and have read 50% of it), I decided to pour out my views on the sequel of books in the form of 4 blog posts…starting from this one.

"Scion of Ikshvaku '' is about the Nayak of the Ramayana tale…Ram. It traces the story of Lord Ram, the son of Dashrath and the founder of what is known as Ram Rajya. A fictional interpretation based on the many editions of the Ramayana, this book is a fast-paced adventure blended with historical theories. The book is modernized bending and re-telling the implied story with a whooping level of imagination.

The story is no secret to Ramayan tale lovers but Amish writing manages to create completely new stories from old ones. The persona of Ram with all the imagined flaws as well as the jewelled recognition is well-balanced and easily digestible. Ram being present as a mere human with godly characteristics- is the best part of the book. The book also presents the concept of society rebuilding, law, and order.

The book may not be liked by the rigid-minded reader who can't expect to have a distinctive take or rehash of a legendary epic rooted deep within Indian culture but Amish writing creates a rapport with the young reader through linkage with science into this mythological story. Yes, the book is at times repetitive but I guess, connecting the dots from the well-versed epic with his image of an evolved world from that time… requires it. Even though he is telling you that the Scion of Ikshvaku happened millennia ago, it feels like it’s happening right now, in some parallel universe.

In short, the book is a good read. 

Quotes-

“A king needs to be judged solely based on what he achieves for his people. His personal life is of no consequence. His public life, though, has one singular purpose: to provide for his people and improve their lives.”


“A real leader doesn’t choose to lead only the deserving. He will, instead, inspire his people into becoming the best that they are capable of.”


“Every emotion in the universe exists for a purpose; nothing is superfluous in nature’s design.”

“One of the few advantages of being disliked is that you don’t need to fret over what others think about you.”


“There is something positive hidden in every negative, and something negative hidden in every positive. Life is complicated.”


“Sometimes, truth causes pain and suffering. At such times, silence is preferred.”