My review:
Ever since I heard the story, as a little girl, of Ganesha and Kartikeya having to go around the world, I felt a little sorry for Kartikeya. I wanted to learn more about him but surprisingly there was nothing much that I could lay my hands on.
So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Usha Narayanan came up with her book, “Kartikeya”. The minute it was out it was on my To Be Read list.
And I was not disappointed. The book is so enthralling that I hated putting it down even to attend to my chores. I just wanted to finish all my work and rush back to the book.
Within the pages of the book, I discovered a joyous, loving compassionate god. One who was a warrior but hated the destruction that war always leaves behind. One who was so loved by humans and animals and birds alike, that they were willing to lay down their lives for him. A child so lovable that everyone wanted to claim him for their own; which is why he ends up with multiple sets of parents.
Though I have always had a soft spot for Ganesha, I totally tumbled into love with Kartikeya helped by the fact that Usha Narayanan’s style of writing makes the characters alive and vibrant. Even the asuras are so real that one can feel the fear and despair as they wreck their havoc.
Since I had known so little previously about such a wonderful god, once I finished the book I asked my friends in all my groups what they knew about Kartikeya. Like me, most of them knew hardly anything at all.
However one of my friends said that he was their “Ishta Devata” or favourite God. So if you want to know more about this son of Shiva, this book by Usha Narayanan is a must read. And who knows, maybe you too will decide like me, that Kartikeya is your “Ishta Devata”!
Blurb
He was the son of the fierce Durga and three-eyed Shiva. He was born, he lived, and he would die, if need be, for a divine purpose–to kill the Soul Stealer
Surapadma’s reign of terror flourishes and the fate of all creatures–mortal and immortal–hangs in the balance. Shiva’s son, Kartikeya, must destroy several formidable asuras before he can confront the Soul Stealer and save the dying, gasping universe.
But Kartikeya, whisked away by mysterious forces to live amidst birds and beasts on a bleak mountainside, is ignorant of his destiny, and struggles to learn his identity. Not even the gods–Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva–come to his aid.
He can win the final battle only if he can discern his enemy’s weakness and his own inner strength.
Will Shiva’s son rise to the challenge before it is too late?
The world waits with bated breath. . .
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I too don’t know much about Kartikeya. Sounds like an interesting book. Nice review.
Thanks, Rajlakshmi. It is a truly interesting book.
While I know the origin story, have to check out this one.
Roshan, do read it. You will enjoy it.
I know the story too about ganesha and kartikeya doing a vishv parikrama..apart from Amish tripathis Shiva trilogy I don’t know much about kartikeya except that kartikeya is worshipped in the south of India while ganesha has more followers in the northern and western part of India. Liked your review of the book and also the title.
Thank you, anshu. I too learnt a lot about Kartikeya that I had no idea of before.
I don’t know much about Kartikey either. A lesser known God he is. Good to know a little bit about him through your review.
Thanks, Priya. Do pick up the book. You will enjoy it.