Genre: Fiction
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pages: 328
Published: April 2021
Rating: 4/5
Buy at: Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Summary and Story:
The Kuru women – Draupadi, Amba, and Kunti are well settled in Kalyug in modern-day New Delhi. But the Pandavas, and particularly, Yudhishtra, will have none of it. The brothers decide to visit Kalyug, with Narad Muni in tow, to drill some sense into the ladies and bring them back to heaven.
What they hadn’t bargained for is that New Delhi is nothing like the Indraprastha of yore. Neither the city, nor the people. And more importantly, the Kuru women. What follows is laughter and tears as new battles are fought, old fires are rekindled, and the men find their place in the modern world.
Review:
I had read Ms Draupadi Kuru, the first book in the series by the author, way back in 2016 when it was released. I came across it at a hospital of all places, where my father was admitted. Looking for a book to help me escape from a not-so-good prognosis. It did help temporarily.
The sequel was a long time coming. After I finished reading the book, I recall thinking it would be interesting to read how the Kuru men would fare. They are definitely more stickler for the rules (off the battle field, that is). I recently re-read the book, picking on things I had missed the first time around.
Coming back to the review, the sequel The Misters Kuru: A Return to Mahabharata continues a year after the Kuru women decide to embrace mortal life and stay back in the Kalyug. Although it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you pick if the first book. It puts a lot of things in perspective. Why Draupadi and Kunti chose to stay back and become mortals. Why they share a camaraderie when they were not so civil in their mortal life. And of course, why their “transporter” Narad Muni has been punished to lead a mortal’s life for thirty days.
“We are each responsible for our own destiny. Don’t base your decisions on what other people want or feel. Do what will fulfill your own soul. Guilt-free.“
The book is not a retelling of Mahabharata in the modern context. It is a witty and quirky take on how the Kuru men would react in the present scenario. Sometimes with hilarious consequences. There are a few culture shocks, too. Vibrators, protection, and skin-tight jeans.
While the first book concentrates more on the women navigating the current Indraprastha, Misters Kuru is about the Pandavas carving their own destiny and moving away from the shadow of their big brother. Between all the laughs, it is also their chance to right the wrongs. A second chance at life if you will. Arjuna making up for his years of silence. Draupadi’s calling out thick-headed Yudhishtra on his decisions that caused the entire family great suffering. Kunti standing up for her daughter-in-law. As someone who has read numerous retellings of Mahabharata, I enjoyed how it was well woven into the narrative without sounding too preachy.
It is interesting how the author picked the basic character traits of the Pandavas and built on them. The Dharamraj Yudhishtra chooses to become a Guru. Arjuna’s gandiva is replaced by a cricket ball. Bhima takes up cooking for the orphanage his mother helps run. Nakula with his good looks turns to modeling.
“Apparently, in the Kalyug, criminals resided at lawful addresses and conducted their business openly while honest people were reduced to hiding”
How can a book based in Delhi not have a generous smattering of current politics? The upholders of Indian culture, the nationalists, the whole debate that non-vegetarianism is not intrinsically Indian. The names chosen for the characters are often too obvious.
I am a bit partial to the first book in the series. I sure did miss Amba, although I can understand why we didn’t get more of her. But this was a delightful read nonetheless. If you enjoy Mahabharata retellings and are okay with a generous amount of creative liberties, I would recommend you pick the book.
This review has been written as part of the Blogchatter Book Review Program. I was offered the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
About the author
Trisha Das is the author of The Mahabharata Re-imagined, The Art of the Television Interview and the internationally acclaimed How to Write a Documentary Script. She has written and directed over forty documentaries in her filmmaking career. Trisha has also won an Indian National Film Award (2005) and was UGA’s ‘International Artist of the year’ (2003).
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
June 24, 2021 @ 12:33 pm
The book sounds so interesting and so much fun. I’m sure it holds a lot of laughs. Will live to read the first book as well.
June 24, 2021 @ 3:24 pm
I am reading a lots of reviews of this book these days. After reading the reviews, what I liked most is the book is written in a modern day approach where women can question the society. Also, the twisted take of the Pandavas must be an enriching experience. Will grab it soon. Loved your insights, Ritu. Thanks for sharing.
June 24, 2021 @ 3:47 pm
I read this book recently and really enjoyed reading it. I am very glad that Draupadi is not shown as a weak woman! An easy and fun book to read
June 24, 2021 @ 4:10 pm
Loved the review and the book description. The book seems interesting and I would love to give it a read.
June 25, 2021 @ 9:27 am
That’s such an interesting concept as per your review. Would like to give it a go.
June 25, 2021 @ 2:08 pm
I have read some great reviews of this book and very soon will grab my copy too. This is such an interesting and fascinating story.
June 25, 2021 @ 8:13 pm
This is the third time I am reading review on this book. I actually want to read this book it looks wonderful.
June 25, 2021 @ 10:07 pm
Ritu, you are a book reviewer I trust blindly. So thank you for yet another detailed and honest review. I have read this book and my thoughts of it resonate with yours.
June 26, 2021 @ 2:39 pm
Quite an interesting review…will soon check out this book.
June 26, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
Nice review indeed. The title and the cover of the book are quite captivating. Your review has accelerated the urge to read how Trisha Das has captured the scene?
June 26, 2021 @ 5:27 pm
Great review! You have even given little excerpts of the book in the review. I had the chance to review two book for Blogchatter Ebook carnival and being my first time I was very rustic.
June 26, 2021 @ 8:13 pm
This is an amazing review, Ritu. You write such detailed ones that give an insight into the essence of the book, tempting the reader to go grab the book. Modern Mahabharata is an outcome of creative thinking and writing. How well the characters have been chiselled.
June 26, 2021 @ 11:13 pm
sounds like an interesting read
June 27, 2021 @ 1:47 am
Currently in the midst of reading this book too!
June 27, 2021 @ 3:52 am
I am reading so many awesome reviews about the book ‘ The Misters Kuru- a return to Mahabharta,’ and honestly, every review enhances my craving to grab the book soonest. The tale of Mahabharta with the twist of modern thoughts wow must be a wonderful read.
June 27, 2021 @ 10:45 am
This sounds hilarious!! There is a 1st book as well…now i have to pick both of these…
June 27, 2021 @ 12:56 pm
Very good review. I am yet to read it and this book is there in my TBR since last two months
June 27, 2021 @ 1:03 pm
Thanks for your detailed review, the cover looks peppy and the storyline seems to be interesting too.
June 27, 2021 @ 1:20 pm
This book looks really interesting. I am surely going to pick this book next. You have been after me for a long time now.
June 27, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
The books seems interesting take on the Mahabharat characters and your review is compelling me give it a chance.
June 27, 2021 @ 6:37 pm
Again a wonderful review. This book seems so interesting and I so want to read this. Added to my reading list.
June 27, 2021 @ 8:14 pm
One more interesting review…. 🤩
June 27, 2021 @ 10:29 pm
every time i read a book review and i feel like picking one and this is one of them