I recently received the book Rama’s Ring from Amar Chitra Katha. It came with an e-mail asking if I could review it on my blog. I was very excited and I got to it right away. Now here is my newest review.
Rama’s Ring is an interesting book with stories from the different versions of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Though the name makes you think it is only about Rama, I was surprised when I saw a picture of both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, strange huh! I, who have only read a simplified version of Valmiki Ramayana, didn’t know most of these stories. I especially liked how ACK put together this mix of interesting stories that many won’t know. Good job from them but of course I am not done.
The nine stories that fill these pages are simple folk versions the level of detail is very impressive. They record each little bit very carefully and not the slightest thing is missed. Brahma definitely gave Valmiki a high-definition vision for such detailing.
Even though I have already read the Ramayana and the Mahabharata this book made me go back and read them again and it will do the same to you. If you haven’t read the epics before I suggest you do so. It would help you understand the characters better and enjoy the book more.
It has nice side stories and one-page explanations which give the effect of reading more than nine stories. Do you know the story of Shakuni and his dice? Or Tholpaavakoothu? The constant change of artists adds a large twist to the tale going from Arjuna with purple skin to Arjuna with peach skin.
There are five interesting cards on the back page that mention the Pandava’s bow name, conch name and their weapons expertise. It would be nice if the cards were the type that you can cut-out and collect.
So, to conclude my review I will say that I think ACK has put together the lesser known episodes rather well. The well-written-ness and the good drawings put together, which is a hallmark of ACK, makes it an amazing read for all ages who like mythology. I would give it a 10/10 rating.
