Bridge of Rama (Ramayana)

The best part about his writings are that characters are so human, yet not so ordinary humans. It gives me a chance to identify with them through their weaknesses and their mental fights and when they overcome it, motivates me to do the same.

When Hanuman was being seduced, ooffff, so human he was. When Rama scolds Laxman on thinking negative as to what might happen to Sita, how human he was, when Sita declines to go with Hanuman, citing that Rama should come and avenge her, how human she was (although not many would agree here).

All the characters, especially Hanuman, have so much single minded purpose in their lives, the era was so different, and yet not so different from the present times. Except, as the characters argue, it is the sense of Dharma which has changed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now waiting eagerly for the next volume, not that I would like to know what happens, but would like to read how Ashok makes it happen.


Banker does it again   March 6, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Just finished reading the book. As marvellous and intoxicating as earlier volumes. Loved Jambavan's sense of humour. Enjoyed the most. Could identify with it.

Loved the part when Rama urges Hanuman that if all your power comes from me, then use it at once (when a stone hillock is coming down at Hanuman and others). It has been described so beautifully, so much love in the paragraph, I had some dew drops in my eyes.

The best part about his writings are that characters are so human, yet not so ordinary humans. It gives me a chance to identify with them through their weaknesses and their mental fights and when they overcome it, motivates me to do the same.

When Hanuman was being seduced, ooffff, so human he was. When Rama scolds Laxman on thinking negative as to what might happen to Sita, how human he was, when Sita declines to go with Hanuman, citing that Rama should come and avenge her, how human she was (although not many would agree here).

All the characters, especially Hanuman, have so much single minded purpose in their lives, the era was so different, and yet not so different from the present times. Except, as the characters argue, it is the sense of Dharma which has changed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Now waiting eagerly for the next volume, not that I would like to know what happens, but would like to read how Ashok makes it happen.


Mindblowing   March 3, 2006
kanjisheik (Pondicherry, India)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

To tell you the truth, I felt that Bridge of Rama is Ashok's best book yet!!! The narrative is fluid, he never lets down the pace a bit, and the book is so so cool... Everything in the book is PERFECT!!!

Rama and the huge armies of vanaras and bears have reached the southern coast of the mainland, and are busy building a bridge to Lanka. Meanwhile, Hanuman discovers his special powers. But sita's life is in peril; hence, Hanuman has to undertake a daring mission- to leap into Lanka and bring Sita back.

Hanuman assumes centrestage in this book- he is truly one of the best characters in the Ramayana series. The readers can identify with him, because of his immense faith in his lord Rama. The way the author shifts the narrative from Hanuman's POV to Ravana's POV and back, is just too good, and the battles between Hanuman and the rakshasas are awesome!! The scene where Hanuman and Sita talk to each other, is one of the best moments of the book..

One of the things that set this series apart from other versions is that the author spends a lot of time in Lanka, thus enabling us to understand more about Ravana, Mandodhari, Supanakha, Vibhisena, Indrajit, etc... And that continues in this book too. Banker really scores in the dialogues between various characters. The scene where Hanuman describes the truth in Ravana's court and lavishly praises Ravana is portrayed beautifully. And the climax of the book, where Hanuman sets Lanka on fire, is absolutely magnificent..

At this rate, i'll run out of superlatives trying to describe Bridge of Rama :~)... I think that 10 on 10 says it all!!!!


Another great instalment in the series   March 3, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Another great instalment in the series. We had been waiting for its release and it was not a disappointment at all. Banker has a great talent for writing very vivid scenes and the imagery his words conjure up is sharp and well-defined.

I only have one criticism and thats with the title. I loved the title, however, after reading the book I was left with a feeling of incompleteness - just as Rama's Bridge was! Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait until the King of Ayodhya is released sometime later this year.