Title: Ramayana - Stolen Hope - part 3
Author: Shubha Vilas
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: Jaico Publishing house
No of pages: 296
Source: A free review copy from author
Overview:
In the evil labyrinths of Dandakaranya forest, human values are put to test. Rama’s righteousness, Lakshmana’s loyalty and Sita’s endurance reflect our own sense of values and judgment in difficult times. The story unfolds the facets of human life – the conflict and trickery, the praise, the slander and above all, the hope and the despair in the eventful forest life of exiled royals.
Stolen Hope is about extreme deception and extreme love. It is about arrogant power and deep devotion. With every twist and turn, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana find themselves robbed of whatever and whoever they valued the most.
Exploring the dynamics of human relations – between father and son, husband and wife, teacher and disciple – and the complex game of power and greed, Stolen Hope mirrors our own dilemmas in the modern world and teaches us how we must overcome them.
Seek courage when everything, including hope, is stolen.
My Review:
I have been reading all the parts of this Ramayana series and I loved the third part too. Here are my reviews for Part 1 and Part 2.
This book covers the story of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita leading the ascetic life in Dandakaranya for thirteen years until Sita is abducted by Ravana. This part of the series covers till Rama and Lakshmana enter Kishkindha. So, we have to wait for the next part to read about the adventures of Hanuman.
I have received a signed review copy from the author in December and I was eagerly waiting to complete this book. I like the way the author provides morals which are relevant to our contemporary world. I literally sat with Pen to underline few sentences while I read this Ramayana series. A few of those:
Delay management is about understanding that some problems need not be solved now. Many problems are solved by just postponing the attempt to solve them.
Happens, right?
Knowledge with wrong knowledge of its application is actually worse than ignorance itself.
The science to control things also brings in the desire to control people. Whereas things behave the way you want, people behave the way they want.
There are many more gems of advice from the book.
The major advantage of Shubha Vilas's Ramayana is we can get the perspective and stories not only from Valmiki Ramayana but also from Kamba Ramayana and Tulasidas's Version. I grew up learning Valmiki Ramayana from my father and I was always amazed listening to these stories. I like every small story associated with Ramayana and I loved Agasthya muni's adventures described very well in the book. I loved learning those little less known facts like Rama never killing anyone before Sita, the origin of Tamil language, origin of Sitaphal, Curses on Ravana and his character etc.,
I wanted to know more about Sabari's life and Mandodhari, which were not covered in the book.
Overall, a fantastic read and I would recommend this to people who doesn't know Ramayana to understand the story and morals behind it. I would also recommend this to someone who are familiar with Ramayana to learn about dharma and logic behind Rama's each action and get a different perspective on the epic.
The major advantage of Shubha Vilas's Ramayana is we can get the perspective and stories not only from Valmiki Ramayana but also from Kamba Ramayana and Tulasidas's Version. I grew up learning Valmiki Ramayana from my father and I was always amazed listening to these stories. I like every small story associated with Ramayana and I loved Agasthya muni's adventures described very well in the book. I loved learning those little less known facts like Rama never killing anyone before Sita, the origin of Tamil language, origin of Sitaphal, Curses on Ravana and his character etc.,
I wanted to know more about Sabari's life and Mandodhari, which were not covered in the book.
Overall, a fantastic read and I would recommend this to people who doesn't know Ramayana to understand the story and morals behind it. I would also recommend this to someone who are familiar with Ramayana to learn about dharma and logic behind Rama's each action and get a different perspective on the epic.
My Rating: 4.5/5
About the Author
Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker, motivational speaker and author of ‘Ramayana – The Game Of Life’ a 6 book series and India’s first self-help book based on the story of Ramayana.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShubhaVilas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shubhavilas
Shubha Vilas is a spiritual seeker, motivational speaker and author of ‘Ramayana – The Game Of Life’ a 6 book series and India’s first self-help book based on the story of Ramayana.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShubhaVilas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shubhavilas
Until next time,
PS: I have received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review and this is my unbiased opinion on the book.
