Read through an exciting rollercoaster journey of a commoner, his family and his tribe during the times of Kurukshetra war. A never before seen perspective of the epic Mahabharata, through the lens of common people. This story is not about the Pandavas and Kauravas. This story is about a common man, his family and his tribe. Janya Bharata is a commoner's epic.
Ever since the Kalingas invited them to participate in a training camp up north of the Vindhyas, the Ustrakarnikas were worried about being pulled into the feud between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Their fears came true when the peace negotiations led by Krishna failed and they have been told to gather at Kurukshetra. All that Mitrajit ever wanted was to spend his life peacefully with his wife and daughter. But now he had to choose between his dharma and his family. How will this war between the Kuru royalty affect their life and tribe?
Plot/Idea: 7 out of 10
Originality: 7 out of 10
Prose: 7 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 7.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Janya Bharata: The War, an impactful historical story, centers on two primary parallel stories—the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas that forces Mitrajit to go to war, and his daughter Purna’s maturing at home while her father is away. The author uses some flashbacks to build the story’s background and leaves the ending open for potential expansion.
Prose: The plethora of different tribes and characters to track becomes challenging, but it’s clear the author meticulously researched the topic and setting, as footnotes are added in to explain Hindu words and phrases. Though there are moments where the prose becomes unwieldy, overall it feels authentic to the story’s setting.
Originality: The author weaves deeper messages into the novel’s historical tapestry, making this both meaningful and engaging.
Character/Execution: Mitrajit carries a heavy load, both in his calm leadership and in being one of the few survivors at the end of the battle.
Date Submitted: April 18, 2023
News
06/08/2022
Desi Buzz BC News Article
Article in local BC magazine
05/06/2023
Interview with Booknerds
Author interview with Booknerds Podcast.
