Review

“That she and I breathe the same air, and the earth we tread is one.”
— Valmiki Ramayana, Book 6, Chapter 5, Verse 6

There is always something magical about revisiting the stories of gods and goddesses we grew up listening to. Stories of Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati, Sati and Shiva, Krishna and Rukmini. These are some stories that I have grown up listening to from my parents and grandmother, and I have always loved knowing more about Indian gods, goddesses, and the famous stories from Indian mythology. Hence, this book felt like revisiting the stories I have always heard and loved. Epic Love Stories by Bulbul Sharma felt so comforting and nostalgic to read. It felt like revisiting stories that have always been a part of our lives, but this time through a fresh and beautifully woven lens.

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Epic Love Stories by Bulbul Sharma is a collection of sixteen unforgettable love stories drawn from Indian epics, mythology, and legends, where devas, asuras, kings, queens, and apsaras fall in love, and their stories become timeless examples of devotion, sacrifice, longing, and eternal connection. What I really loved about this book is that while some stories are familiar, others offer a fresh perspective. Along with beloved tales like Radha and Krishna, Sita and Rama, we also get stories like Mandodari and Ravana, Urvashi and Pururavas, Samjna and Surya, Nala and Damayanti, and even the emotional complexities between Draupadi and Bhima. These were stories I had heard fragments of before, but never explored in depth. Reading them here felt immersive and emotionally rich.

With sixteen unforgettable stories, we meet Radha and Krishna, Mandodari whose devotion to Ravana outlives everything, and Savitri walking beside the god of death for love, while Rukmini defies everything for Krishna. Every story carries emotion and intensity. The emotional conflicts stand out beautifully too – whether it is the jealousy and rivalry between Ganga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati or the sacrifices and longing that shape these relationships. The book captures both love and loss with equal beauty.

I especially enjoyed reading about Mandodari and Ravana, Shakuntala and Dushyanta, Nala and Damayanti, and Urvashi and Pururavas because these stories felt refreshing and emotionally layered. The pain of separation, the strength of devotion, and the depth of longing are portrayed in a way that makes these ancient tales feel timeless even today. Bulbul Sharma gracefully weaves each and every story together.

I also really loved reading about Ganga and Shantanu because theirs is not just a love story, but also a story filled with silence, separation, promises, and pain. The way Shantanu loved Ganga despite never truly understanding her choices adds such emotional depth to their story. Their separation leaves behind a lingering ache, and Bulbul Sharma captures that heartbreak beautifully. Another story that stayed with me was Draupadi’s emotional bond with Arjuna and the quiet yet unwavering love Bhima carried for her. While Draupadi and Arjuna shared a connection rooted in admiration and destiny, Bhima’s love felt deeply selfless and protective throughout. The emotional contrast between the two relationships made Draupadi’s story even more compelling and heartbreaking to read.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is how concise yet impactful the storytelling is. Bulbul Sharma keeps every story light, short, and accessible while still making them emotionally immersive. Mythological tales are vast and layered, but the way she condenses and presents them here is something I genuinely appreciated. She captures the essence of every relationship — the devotion, sacrifice, jealousy, longing, separation, and eternal love without making the stories feel overwhelming.

Her writing style is simple, raw, captivating, and deeply engaging, making readers fall in love with every story in their own way. From love and devotion to heartbreak, sacrifice, and longing, every emotion in these stories feels vivid and deeply human despite their mythological roots. More than just retellings, these stories remind us how love in mythology was never simple – it was intense, painful, sacrificial, and eternal in ways that still move readers today.

If you are someone who enjoys reading about Indian mythology, epic romances, or legendary love stories, this book is definitely worth picking up. It works beautifully both as an introduction to mythological tales and as a refreshing revisit for readers already familiar with these stories. Epic Love Stories is ultimately a heartfelt reminder that love — in all its forms has always been at the center of the stories we continue to cherish across generations.

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