Mar 05
Usha Narayanan’s "Pradyumna" was the book that prompted me to give the Indian mythology genre a try for the first time, and I haven’t regretted it. Enjoying the book a lot, I read "The Secret of God’s Son" as well. Now I’ve given this book a chance, and while it is different – as it contains three stories with several episodes/chapters each, instead of one novel – it also has many of the author’s trademarks: captivating scenes, vivid descriptions, mythological references, and fascinating characters such as Lord Ganesha.
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Mar 05
In an age when mythology is written, rewritten according to the perception of a writer's viewpoint, it's a miracle that we still remember Krishna or Rama as they were perceived during the times of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It's becoming equally difficult to distinguish between the original and the perceptions. Mythology is no more true to its form and changing rapidly according to the need of the hour. And it's not wrong to do so. Clinging to age-old values is not possible if one has to inculcate values amongst the younger generation. I think A... Read more
Mar 05
Excerpt:
Usha Narayanan's Prem Purana packs a wealth of unknown stories into the three principal narratives - Ganesha's Brides, Mandodari and Nala Damayanti.
This complex tapestry of inter-related tales is written in contemporary style to engage the 21st century young reader. Therefore a Ganesha may stomp his foot in annoyance or a Siddhi may arch her eyebrow enquiringly.
Narayanan has presented the emotions of people in love that shows that little changes over time or across the three realms of heaven, earth and the netherworld.She ha... Read more
Mar 05
Kavita Rajesh
Prem Purana is a collection of three mythological love stories. The concept or the premise of the book itself piqued my curiosity. To read the romantic stories of the divine beings that we worship and adore and are always kept on a pedestal was a premise that really sparked interest. Personally I have grown up reading and listening to a lot of mythological stories but always these stories are narrated with an attitude of prayer and respect but the romantic angle is never as such explored. As the blurb says it i... Read more
