Books Like...

'The Immortals of Meluha' by Amish Tripathi is the first in the Shiva trilogy, loosely based on Lord Shiva from Indian Mythology. The plot revolves around Shiva, Chief of the Gunas tribe, who is persuaded to bring his tribe to Meluha, promising peace and beauty. Upon arrival, Shiva's destiny as the Neelkanth, destined to rid the world of evil, emerges. mixes science with superstition, highlighting Indian culture in 1900 BC and the development of the caste system. The writing style is a blend of modern concepts on an ancient society, with a narrative that balances weighty philosophies with light dialogue.

'The Forest of Enchantments' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a retelling of the epic Ramayana from the perspective of Sita. The book delves into Sita's life, struggles, and emotions, presenting her as a strong and independent woman who faces various challenges with courage and resilience. Divakaruni's writing style is described as personal, engaging, and emotionally vibrant, offering readers a fresh and captivating portrayal of the well-known mythological characters.

The narrative follows Sita's journey from her birth to her marriage with Rama, through their exile, her kidnapping by Ravana, and her time in Ashok Vanam and Valmiki's ashram. The author skillfully weaves together elements of love, duty, sacrifice, and strength, providing a new perspective on the age-old tale of the Ramayana through the eyes of its female protagonist.

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel is a refreshing novel that delves into the character of Kaikeyi from Hindu mythology. The book focuses on portraying Kaikeyi in a new light, challenging the traditional narrative and exploring her complexities and conflicts. Through a feminist lens, the author celebrates the strength and resilience of Kaikeyi, presenting her as a multifaceted character who navigates the challenges of being a sister, daughter, wife, and mother in a patriarchal society. The narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, immersing the reader in a lush setting filled with supernatural elements like red-skinned monsters and talking birds, creating a delightful world to explore.

The story of Kaikeyi is a clever twist on perspective, offering readers a feminist manifesto intertwined with adventure and drama. The book provides a unique insight into the mythology of Rama and Sita from a whole new angle, inviting readers to question their preconceived notions and view the characters in a more nuanced light. Through rich cultural references and vivid storytelling, Vaishnavi Patel weaves a tale that not only entertains but also sparks interest in Indian culture and mythology, making it a compelling read for those looking for a fresh take on traditional stories.

'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a modern and eye-opening novel that delves into the harsh realities of Indian society. The story is narrated by Balram Halwai, a former servant turned entrepreneur, who writes a series of letters to the Premier of China detailing his rise from poverty to wealth through acts of violence and corruption. The book provides a satirical and candid look at the deep-rooted issues of poverty, corruption, and social injustice in India, while also exploring themes of power struggles, oppression, and the impact of globalization on the caste system.

Adiga's writing style in 'The White Tiger' is raw, honest, and darkly humorous, capturing the complexities of Balram's character and the stark realities of Indian society. The narrative unfolds through Balram's distinctive voice, portraying a vivid picture of a country grappling with economic growth, inequality, and moral decay. The book weaves together elements of satire, social commentary, and personal reflection to offer a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by individuals striving for success in a corrupt and oppressive system.

'Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata' by Devdutt Pattanaik is a comprehensive introduction to Hindu mythology, particularly the epic Mahabharata. The book is divided into 18 parts, each delving into different aspects of the story, from ancestral laws to key events like the Pandavas' exile and the Bhagvad Gita. The writing style is described as easy to follow, with insightful comments at the end of each chapter providing additional context and understanding for readers.

The 'Scion of Ikshvaku' by Amish Tripathi is a fascinating reimagination of the Ramayan, blending respect for the original story with a universe created in the Shiva trilogy. The book delves into a mysterious mystical epic war between angels and demons, showcasing a battle between good and evil, heaven and hell. The narrative style maintains a logical explanation of the ancient world, incorporating key characters' developments and mystical weapons, creating a story that touches the hearts of readers. However, some readers found flaws in the narration and the hurried nature of the storytelling, leading to mixed opinions about the book's execution.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a captivating story set in 1950s India, following the life of Lakshmi, a talented henna artist who escapes an abusive marriage to build a successful business in Jaipur. The novel delves into the complexities of Indian culture, family dynamics, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a closed and oppressive society. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the author paints a rich picture of Lakshmi's journey, her relationships with her sister Radha, young Malik, and other essential characters, all against the backdrop of a post-independence India.

In "Gods of Jade and Shadow" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the story follows Casiopea Tun, a young girl in 1920s rural Mexico, as she accidentally releases a Mayan god from his imprisonment. She embarks on a quest with the god, Hun Kam, to locate his missing body parts and restore his power, all while facing obstacles and adversaries along the way. The book seamlessly blends Mayan mythology with a Jazz Age setting, creating a fantastical tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the complexities of human and god relationships. The writing style is described as lush and evocative, with a mix of historical fiction and fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and immersed in the world of gods and mortals.

'The Great Indian Novel' by Shashi Tharoor is a clever and satirical retelling of the Mahabharata, weaving in India's past from the end of the British Raj era to the 1970s. The book is dense with material and commentary, presenting various historical figures in a critical light, all while maintaining a witty and accessible tone. Tharoor manages to seamlessly blend humor with pathos, transitioning between different tones effortlessly, making the book both educational and entertaining.

The book is structured like the Mahabharata with 18 chapters, drawing parallels between characters from the epic and those from actual Indian history, particularly focusing on figures like Gandhi, Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. Tharoor's writing style is fluid and engaging, incorporating elements of wit, humor, passion, and polemic. The narrative cleverly intertwines ancient stories with modern political events, creating a fast-paced and open-ended allegory that captures the reader's interest throughout.

'The Mahabharata' in the series 'Mahabharata' by author Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated by Bibek Debroy, is a scholarly and readable translation of the ancient Indian text. It covers various sections and stories of the epic, setting the stage for significant events like the snake sacrifice, the birth of Pandavas, and other notable stories. The translation is described as excellent, detailed, and easy to understand, maintaining the essence and integrity of the epic while making it accessible to a wider audience. is praised for its quality, packaging, delivery, and pricing, making it a highly recommended read for lovers of ancient Indian epics.