MY TAKE

Mythology especially Indian Mythology is open to deep research and vast interpretation, but what makes it interesting is the way it is retold/ reinterpreted or simply narrated. The success of a mythological narrative lies (1) in its ability to hold the reader till the end and (2) churn out something new. Old wine in new package may not hold the reader’s interest, but new additions/ new insights in the form of incidents, characters and their significance that were till now either hidden or not accorded their due importance, definitely have the ability to draw the thirsty mind to it. So if I were to look at ‘Kartikeya and his battle with the Soul Stealer’ from this perspective I’d definitely give a 👍. Author Usha Narayanan has not only managed to hold the reader in me engaged till the end, but has also given glimpses into some truly interesting incidents and characters that are a part of the protagonist’s story. We’ve had passing references to many of them in various books, but here we see them play a greater role in taking the story forward. With them unfold many stories and incidents hitherto unknown to a vast majority.

Replete with various emotions like love, anger, passion, empathy and jealousy, the book takes us on a journey through hills and valleys, heaven and earth and also introduces us to the adorable side of animals and birds as well as the vile side of the Devas and Asuras. Another thing that struck me was Indra’s arrogance and selfishness compared to Surapadma’s selflessness. While Indra has just his throne and his supremacy on the three realms in mind while engaging Kartikeya to take on the Soul Stealer, Surapadma’s aim is to avenge the death of his brothers and sons. While Indra is least worried about the burden he is placing on little Kartikeya’s shoulder, Surapadma and in fact his brother Tharaka too, hesitate to go headlong and engage the boy in the battle. They are ready to allow him to bow out of the field with grace.

Twists, turns and engaging banter along with some hilarious and some somber moments present a unique experience.

Characterization is another strong aspect of Author Usha Narayanan’s writings and here too she has not failed her readers. One can’t help but live out their emotions. While one feels distressed along with Kartikeya on feeling abandoned and lonely, one also can’t but feel distraught and angered as does Parvati on having her passionate moment with her Lord abruptly interrupted, and her ‘child’ stolen. Forlorn and pinning with Devasena for her Lord’s return, and jealous and angry as Valli at having to share her Muruga, one can’t but help empathize with both as well as stay neutral when they confront each other. Such is the strength of the narrative. Shiva too springs a surprise. The fiery God exhibits his soft side here and there. We hardly come across this side of the God in the stories/ novels making it to the market today.

Language is simple, lucid and free flowing while the pace is perfect all along until we near the end. It’s here that I felt the story was a wee-bit dragged, and when I say wee-bit I mean exactly that. It was like the athlete who sails along smoothly till the penultimate lap overtaking all her foes, only to show signs of exhaustion in the final lap.

VERDICT

A must read for mythological fiction lovers and of course a must addition to the personal library. I must also add that this book is for all ages, young and old alike. So if you’d like to know Karthikeya at close quarters, don’t hesitate to pick this up.