I picked up Amar Purana because the idea of short, strong stories from our sacred texts sounded like exactly the sort of book I could read in small sittings and still walk away with something useful. The book says it retells 22 stories taken from the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas — and that promise is exactly what drew me in.
What the book actually is
In simple terms, it’s a collection of 22 short retellings. Each chapter focuses on a single story and tries to pull out a clear lesson — about choices, duty, love, leadership, or staying steady when life gets messy. The chapters are short enough to read in one go, and each one feels like a little mirror for something happening in everyday life.
How the book feels to read (style & tone)
The writing is warm and plain — nothing heavy or scholarly. It reads like someone telling you an old story over tea and then pausing to point out what that story means for right now. That tone made the book easy to sit with; I wasn’t overwhelmed by Sanskrit names or academic detail — the focus stays on the human side of each tale. I also liked the small interactive touch: every chapter pairs the story with a custom crossword meant to nudge you into thinking about the takeaway. That crossword idea actually worked for me — it slows you down and makes you think, rather than just skim.
What I loved most
My favourite thing was how the book makes big, familiar characters feel immediate. It points to qualities we recognise — things like courage, loyalty, stubbornness — and shows how those qualities play out in the stories and in our lives. A few characters and moments mentioned in the book (for example, the strength of Sita, Karna’s loyalty, Sulabha’s independence) stayed with me because they were presented as real human struggles, not distant mythology. Those parts made me reflect for days.
Small things I noticed
Since the book covers only 22 stories, it stays selective. And because the focus is on easy, clear retellings, the heavier scriptural details aren’t the priority here. Personally, that worked fine for me because I wanted simple, meaningful stories, not a deep academic dive.
Final thoughts — who this is for
If you want short, thoughtful retellings that connect old stories to modern life, this is a nice companion. It’s great for someone who wants to read one chapter at a time, think a bit, and come away with a small, usable insight. The crosswords make it a little different from other myth collections — I found that a playful, helpful touch. Overall, it’s the kind of book I’d keep on my shelf for slow reading and occasional re-reading when I want a gentle nudge of perspective.
No comments:
Post a Comment