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Book Review: Ganga - The Goddess by Anuja Chandramouli

Introduction



ISBN:978-9353332686

Genre: Fiction / Mythology

Publishers: Rupa Publications

Price: Rs. 295/- (I got the book for review from the publisher)

Behind the Book

Believed to be the liquid manifestation of Shakti and the nurturer of the three worlds with her life-sustaining waters, Goddess Ganga is the epitome of beauty and purity, famous for her indomitable spirit and boundless charm. Renowned as a devoted daughter, a caring mother, a passionate lover, and a merciful saviour, she is here to absorb and absolve us of our sins. A constant goddess, she is part of the Indian ethos, revered, and loved across the ages.

The exquisite epic that is Ganga’s story, from her miraculous origins, her sojourn in the heavens, her poignant relationships with the divine trinity, the birth of her sons—Bhishma and Kartikeya, and her descent into a wicked world that is not worthy of her, is dazzlingly told by Anuja Chandramouli. Without this Goddess, life as we know it will be over, for her righteous retribution will be terrifying.

This book is a vibrant retelling of the story of Ganga, who has the power to save us all and bestow the precious gift of moksha, embracing saints and sinners alike with her all-encompassing compassion..

About the Author

Anuja Chandramouli is a bestselling Indian author and New Age Indian Classicist. Her highly acclaimed debut novel, Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince, was named by Amazon India as one of the top 5 books in the Indian Writing category for the year 2013. Kamadeva: The God of Desire and Shakti: The Divine Feminine are her other bestsellers. Currently all three books are being translated into Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi and Bengali, a real achievement for one so young. Her epic fantasies called Yama’s Lieutenant and its sequel has received an overwhelming response.

Her newest books are on Kartikeya, Padmavati and Prithviraj Chauhan.

An accomplished orator, she regularly conducts workshops on Creative Writing, Story Telling and Mythology in schools, colleges and various other platforms. Her motivational speeches have also been well received. According to Chandramouli, her work with youngsters in the rural belt helping them improve their Spoken English and Writing skills has been wonderfully satisfying and enriching.
This happily married, mother of two little girls, lives in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. She is a student of classical dance and Yoga.


Yet another masterpiece from the author!

I have been reading the author's works since her debut and have loved each and every work of hers till now. It is exciting to be a part of the author's journey and witness how over a period of time they mature, in both, their thoughts and their words. Their understanding of life and its intricacies becomes perhaps a bit more better, making them more prolific than what they were before. Anuja Chandramouli brings forth such honesty to her writing that it is a treat to read her books.

I picked up Ganga with a lot of expectations and as always the author does not let you down. She enthralls, captivates and mesmerizes you with her retellings. She is undoubtedly one of my favourite Indian authors of the recent times whose work I truly look forward to. Her research is impeccable and writing is truly captivating.

In her inimitable style, author Anuja this time tells us the story of Ganga through her latest book. Having grown up hearing various stories of Ganga and how one dip in the Ganges can cleanse your mind, body and soul - this book was an interesting read. The best thing about the author has to be her impeccable language that she uses to narrate her stories with. She does not overload the reader with too much information making it a slow process to read and enjoy the book. On the contrary she presents every aspect of the central character so beautifully, including their love stories that it makes for a heartwarming read where you thoroughly enjoy turning one page after another.

She is one author whose books can be read across age groups, loved and devoured feverishly. The other thing I like about her books are the characters. Mythological retellings always carry a risk of being repetitive or the story sounding redundant with not too much new information to be added to it. However, author Anuja carries off this genre with elan and grace. She is a master at it now, having mastered the trick of bringing characters alive in her books. She manages to bring forth certain unknown aspects about her characters which make them endearing and relatable for a reader. She leaves the reader thinking with her words.

What a way to end the year with such a wonderful read that I am sure to come back to soon to bask in the magic of its gripping story line and thoroughly enjoyable narration! Overall, a brilliant read and strongly recommended. She is one author I cannot stop recommending enough.

Foodie Verdict

This book is like Classic Cheese Lasanga - that one dish you can have anytime, anywhere and know that it will fulfill your hunger pangs and your taste buds too!


Source: Kraft Recipes

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