Review:

Could the Mahabharata be different had the Kauravas won?

 I love reading Indian History, especially Mahabharata. Every time I read, I get a different perspective. Each character has a different take on situations, and each time you read you learn more about how things can be changed if you want to. I always like reading about Subhadhra, Gandhari, Shakuni, Arjuna, Bheeshma and of course, Shri Krishna when it comes to Mahabharata. 

Book 82 of 2023 turns out to be a different, fascinating read as I read Mahabharata, the War of Kurukshetra, about the Pandavas and the Kauravas, Hastinapur and its Kingdom, About Partha and Keshav, Draupadi and her Sakha from Arjuna’s perspective in Dhanika Sharma’s Arjuna.

Arjuna, The greatest warrior who was lucky to attain the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita from Shree Krishna had his set of agreements and disagreements with his brothers. His views were different and with every challenge he faced, he learned and remembered the sacrifices and injustice happening around him. 

In the last years of their life, Arjuna, his siblings and his wife set out to attain moksha and he finds himself in hell, for reasons he cannot fathom.  Alone in numbing darkness, he has all the time to introspect on his life, relationships, accomplishments and failures, he narrates a string of events and a series of events and the bonds he shared with each of the characters from the epic. 

From how he felt about each of his brothers, to the equation he shared with all of them, to Eklavya’s thumb, Draupadi’s dishonour, Karna’s friendship, and the bond ladies of the kingdom shared, here we discover it all.

Dhanika Sharma weaves together A captivating and well-crafted retelling of the Mahabharata from Arjuna’s Narrative and trust me it’s exciting to read.

 “Arjuna” by Dhanika Sharma is an intriguing read that presents the Mahabharata in a modern way with a touch of imagination. Narrated from the perspective of Arjuna, the greatest warrior of the epic, the book takes us through his journey as he introspects his deeds and remembers the sacrifices and injustices happening around him.

One of the key strengths of the book is its crisp, descriptive, and unusual narrative style. Rather than following the usual track of events, the author presents the story character-wise, giving readers a different perspective for each character as they step into Arjuna’s shoes. 

This perspective breathes new life into familiar events, allowing readers to explore the complexities of each character’s personality and their interactions with Arjuna. It offers a fresh and exciting perspective, giving readers a deeper understanding of the diverse characters from Mahabharata. This approach allows us to see the other side of the coin.

Dhanika’s writing style is crisp, descriptive, and filled with moments of intrigue. She effortlessly weaves together lesser-known stories and episodes, shedding light on the untold sacrifices and struggles of characters like Ghatotkacha, Nakula, Sahadeva, and others. These lesser-explored tales add depth and richness to the overall narrative, making the book a treasure trove of fascinating revelations.

She shares about Arjuna’s admiration for his younger brothers Nakula and Sahadev, his equation with each of his wives, and even his kidnapping by Subhadhra. Through Arjuna’s narrative, we get to know fascinating stories about his relationship with each character, including his views on his brothers, his equation with Guru Dhronacharya, and the importance Mata Gandhari holds in the court and the epic.

Also Read: The Boon Of Shiva: Aura-T Trilogy Book 1 by Setu – Book Review

She skillfully portrays his conflicts, doubts, and personal growth throughout the story. Arjuna’s journey of self-discovery and his relationship with key characters like Krishna, Draupadi, and Bheeshma is meticulously explored. I loved the way she describes Suyodhan and Dushasana, it is too fascinating. I would have loved it if there were more details about the bond he shared with Krishna and Subhadra.

It’s a fast-paced story with attractive illustrations that adds depth to the story. She keeps the book candid, light, and thought-provoking keeping readers entertained throughout.

With its unique narrative style, engaging storytelling, and intriguing exploration of lesser-known stories, the book successfully breathes new life into this timeless epic. Whether you are a fan of Indian mythology or simply enjoy immersive storytelling, “Arjuna” by Dhanika Sharma is a book that will entertain, enlighten, and leave you with a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and events of the Mahabharata.

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