Book review- Karna: King of Anga by Kevin Missal

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Mahabharata gives the raw material to fuel any writer's fantasy. The portrayal of any character of this “maha story” is… in itself… a book.

Missal has given yet another exciting tale to the life of Karna. The young writer Kevin Missal used the plot and the character “Karna” in the most beautiful yet assertive way. Karna, to me, is an underdog with much scope to tell his story and leave a mark on the reader's hearts. He was a loner… cursed student… received betrayal from the woman he loved, and was ostracised from society for being the son of suta and yet outshined his name.

The book tells Vasu's survival, initial endurance, and lifetime longing to belong and be loved. The book was a not-so-short read with an intense portrait of the hero.

The revolves around the tale of his claim to Anga-the lost province of his father, Adirath (Yes!! The description of Adirath as the king of Anga and his becoming of the chariot to Hastinapur Samrat… is a fresh perspective, along with many such new editions to this epic character's life from the writer’s imagination). The book ends with the ultimate battle with his archenemy Jarasandha and with a promise to continue the thrilling life of Karna in part 2.

From a sutaputra to a leader of the people, this read about Karna is decently exciting.


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