What
attracted me to the book? Firstly, a strong female character and secondly an
uncommon one! Many of us have just heard of the Vedas, how many actually get
into the details of who is who? These authors and books are the gateway for us
to a different world. I have read Abhaya
by the same author, which again has a strong female protagonist. As an avid
reader and a reviewer, this book was definitely in my hit list.
Book Cover and the Story
Vishpala from Rigveda is a
warrior and the first lady with iron legs (artifical limbs). The cover art by
Anirudh Sainath depicts both beautifully.
The story, as has been described
by the author and by all the reviewers is about Vishpala from Rig Veda. She has
been given a name Avishi. The story starts with a young Avishi getting
separated from her father. As the story progresses, one gets to visit Naimisha
Aranya (Jungles of Naimisha), Ashtagani and Vrishabhavati. The Samiti, where
the wise ones sit and discuss is depicted in a way that one feels a part of it.
It’s interesting to know that the era when this story occurs, did not have a
concept of marriage and the samiti holds a discussion to set rules for the
same.
The reader gets to witness a
lot of political drama and war between different groups.
There are some points, where
I was losing the continuity. But that can be ignored as against the complete
package.
Characters
Some characters which stayed
with me are Avishi,Gautam, Satya and yes Khela. There are many more and like
any reader, it is tought to remember each one.
Avishi – For her independent
persona. She is unstoppable and has that zeal to keep learning. Along the journey she just gets stronger and
never breaks down. She is a warrior and a strategist. But she is not devoid of emotions.
Gautam – For his balanced
persona. He understands pain, knows what ‘letting-go’means.
Satya – Our Doctor and Avishi’s
mate. His determination towards learning the art and science behind smelting
and making artificial limb.
The first three characters
teach you to be unselfish. Each of them sacrifices love and relation for a
bigger cause, their Kingdom.
Khela – He is the antagonist
of the story. But he also leaves an impact. Some of his traits are important to
understand and realise whom not to trust. Avishi over the time, starts
predicting his
moves.
The Research
I would really like to
appreciate Saiswaroopa for all the efforts she has put. RigVeda just mentions
about Vishpala as the lady with Iron Leg. Based on this, Sai has built a
complete story. This is her second book, but the work that has gone behind it
is evident.
Reader’s Comfort and Verdict
3.8/5
The story is fast paced and
there are very few low points.
Grab the book or the Kindle
version and go back in time. Get to know a bit about undivided India, glimpses
of Saraswati river.Be a witness and appreciate the surgical advancement they
had done way back in 14th Century.
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