Title : KARNA'S ALTER EGO
Language : English
Authors : Surendra Nath
Genre : Fiction
Publisher : Dream House Publications ( 2015 )
Edition : 1st
ISBN-13 : 9789384180119
ISBN-10 : 9384180114
Binding : Paperback
Price : Rs. 175 ( Buy from Flipkart.com )
Pages : 333
The Book Summary : Karna, the ill-fated hero of Mahabharata. Many feel he deserved to win. If only luck had favoured him...5000 years later, we have a man named Vasu, who is much like Karna – illegitimate birth, very talented but denied all credits in life, rejected in love, misses a medal in the Asian games, gets caught for telling an innocent lie, overlooked for promotion. He begins to identify himself with Karna, and interestingly Karna appears to him after every debacle to assuage and encourage him. It seems Vasu is Karna’s alter ego.
My Point of View ( P.O.V ) : I had quite liked the first book by this author ( though, it was quite a short one compared to this novel ), so, when I was requested for a review of his 2nd book, I accepted immediately; although, I've been quite busy and am reviewing this book quite late too ( since the time I received it ). However, all the delay has not gone wasted, because I quite liked the book. The title of the book is also quite interesting and it piques your interest at first glance. The cover too does justice, no doubt. So, what is this book all about? Is it a mythology and based on Karna's life? Well..yes and no! Yes, Karna does make an appearance, but in Vasu's life ( Vasu being the protagonist; whose life-span is covered, right from twelve years of age to forty-six and what happens thereafter ), whose whole life have been somewhat a replica of Karna's - the story being set in the contemporary era. Right from being illegitimate child to the struggles ( also failures ) and injustices he faced, Vasu glaringly reminds one of Karna, and no wonder Karna makes an appearance in his life too and helps him out in the most crucial of times and situations. Its interesting to read Karna's perspective on things, which I feel is quite creative on the part of the author. The story is indeed very original, 'unique' so to say ( touching two entirely different eras, across 5k years ); dealt with meticulously and very sensitively as well. In all its chapters, it has some wonderful philosophical messages too, that a reader can surely apply in their own lives as well. The story starts slow, but gradually picks up momentum and by the end it gets really engrossing. Highly recommended.
Positives : Priced right, its a genuinely nicely written book with easy, simple lucid-style language.
Negatives : Some typos needs to be corrected and a tighter edit.
Who will enjoy this? - Everyone!
Buy or Don’t Buy? – A Must Buy!
About the Author : Surendra tries his hand at writing fiction off and on, but most of his short stories have remained unpublished, though a few have found their way into books and magazines. 'Karna’s Alter Ego' is his first attempt at writing a full length novel. Earlier he wrote a novella that sank without a trace. For a living, at 58, he runs after children in KiiT International School, and the strength needed for all this chasing, he draws from his previous experience in the defence forces. He also publishes a children’s magazine – 'Kloud 9'. He is the architect of a Children’s Lit Fest, that is into its third year now in 2015. Yes, he is married and lives happily with his wife and daughter at Cuttack. He has distant dreams of retiring as an author.
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕ - I liked it!
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