The Great Indian Novel: A Book Review

“The Great Indian Novel” written by Shashi Tharoor is a master-piece of Indian history. It is based on the great epic Mahabharata, like the great epic’s eighteen days of war, the novel itself is divided into eighteen chapters. It is a turmoil of events of past and present, blending into a beautiful narrative. The novel follows the narrative from colonialism to the post-independence times reflecting on how India became India.

Plot Summary of The Great Indian Novel:

In “The Great Indian Novel”, Shashi Tharoor weaves a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends mythology, history, and fiction to create a rich tapestry of India’s tumultuous journey from colonialism to independence. This epic novel is a masterful reimagining of the Mahabharata, set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for freedom from British rule.

A Review of The Great Indian Novel:

Shashi Tharoor’s prose is effortlessly engaging, effortlessly navigating the complex web of characters, events, and ideologies that shaped India’s destiny. The novel’s scope is vast, spanning decades of political upheaval, social change, and personal struggles. Yet, Tharoor’s deft storytelling ensures that the narrative remains intimate and accessible.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to humanize the iconic figures of India’s independence movement. Tharoor’s characters are multidimensional and relatable, their motivations and flaws expertly crafted to evoke empathy and understanding.

Through “The Great Indian Novel”, Shashi Tharoor not only chronicles India’s past but also offers a profound meditation on the country’s identity, culture, and values. This is a novel that will resonate with readers long after they finish reading it, a testament to Tharoor’s skill as a storyteller and his deep understanding of the human experience.

“The Great Indian Novel” is a triumph of literary fiction, a novel that will resonate with readers long after they finish reading it. Tharoor’s masterful storytelling, coupled with his deep understanding of India’s history and culture, has created a work of enduring significance. This is a novel that will be remembered for generations to come, a testament to the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of ourselves and our world.

Interesting quotes from “The Great Indian Novel” by Shashi Tharoor:

1. “India is not a nation, it’s a civilization.”
2. “The past is not just a series of dusty events, but a living, breathing entity that shapes our present.”
3. “Freedom is not just a word, it’s a way of life.”
4. “The struggle for independence was not just a fight against the British, but a fight for the soul of India.”
5. “India’s strength lies not in its military might, but in its cultural richness.”
6. “The Mahabharata is not just an epic, it’s a mirror held up to humanity.”
7. “History is not just a record of events, it’s an interpretation of the human condition.”
8. “India’s identity is not just a product of its history, but a creation of its imagination.”
9. “The future is not just a destination, it’s a journey we must undertake together.”
10. “India is not just a country, it’s a dream we must constantly strive to fulfill.”

These quotes capture the essence of the novel, exploring themes of identity, culture, history, and the human condition.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Recommendation:

“The Great Indian Novel” is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history, politics, or culture. While its scope is vast, the novel’s themes and characters are universally relatable, making it an excellent choice for readers of literary fiction and historical fiction alike.

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