The story of the Ramayana has been innumerable times. The story of "Asura" held a lot of promise to narrate it from Ravana's perspective but fails in execution. I particularly liked about the book was the portrayal of Asuras and Devas as not Gods and demons but two contemporary civilizations fighting for glory and kingdoms. Despite the core story being sourced from South Indian legends, the story fails to reach its conclusion. I must say the book switches tenses so often that it became jarring to read beyond. The language employed by the author is commendable for a first timer. Nonetheless, I am being generous by rating this book for a modest two stars for which the second star is purely for the way the author narrates certain episodes of the book. Even though the book is well planned and written, I feel its more a story from the perspective of a common man than Ravana. Justice is denied for a lot of character. Ravana was not given the credit of being the most knowledgeable person he was, instead shown as a simple bramhin with mere mortal agendas. Still worth a good read. worth 3.5 stars. Reflects the exact mindset of everyday person, about missed out opportunities. A good tale about the Vanquished and the people who lived under his rule.
It's the story of Ravana..! The narration is very slow. But a good read..!
—amberkazuko
a much needed different & refreshing perspective on an age old tale...
—adwaitainapure
Ok to have a get a different perspective but thats about it.
—jon
Unknown facts about a well known story. I loved it.
—victoria1000000
