Review Point: 3.5 out of 5
Author: Ezhuth Aani
Publisher: Inspire India
Genre: Fiction/Historical
ISBN: 978-93-85783-86-9
Page Count: 303
Edition: First, 2016
Platform
Story is knitted in the historical plot of 15th century. Adithya a messenger of Angkor empire is on a mission to find a person who can save the dynasty. Travelling thousands of kilometres, he reaches dense forests of China where he meets Gnani, who is known to all past and present of all dynasties. Here, Adithya also meets his daughter Mandagini and feels love for her. Getting permission from him, he continues to his journey and comes to know more about Buddhism. On the other hand, Mahendra another warrior from Angkor trapped into empire of Hongxi Emperor is compelled to conceive with queen. Will Mahendra be able to escape from the place? Is there any link between Mahendra and Adithya? What's hidden in the hills and forests of South India and Sri Lanka? Will they be able to save their dynasty? How will Gnani help them? To know, go through the Another Tale of Two Cities.
Strength of the Book
Amazing plot is set with well-defined terminology. Story from the very first page covers the interest of readers and rises their beat with journey of Adithya. A deep knowledge of Buddhism is included which drags the attention of readers toward the religion. Character justification impacts the narration. The unique way of present things is added which makes author a distinguished narrator. Not only Buddhism but also dynasties of 15th centuries are depicted in quite detail which let the readers to have glance of history in a beautiful manner. It seems author has researched the topics well and focused on Angkor after perfect matter of study. Revealing each and everything and beautifying the places and characters is unbeatable.
Weakness of the Book
At mid of first and second part, story leaves the interest. Scenario of Hongxi Emperor and situation of Mahendra there seems quite illogical. At the very beginning, it does not seem that the things are going on in past.
Conclusion
It is hard to find a book which is actually in other language and then comes in other language with this amazing taste. Amazing translation (Prof Parvati Vasudev and Mr Anandan Kasinathan) is done for this book. Author has put his best to create the scenario in reality. This could be more if not included the love scenario with the taste of Mandagini. The way author has included things step-by-step makes the novel theme strong with each page turn. There are only few writers in India (i.e. Anand Neelkanthan, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Shreyas Bhave) who make a space for themselves with their writing and here Author Ezhuth (Ananthakumarasamy Ramanathan) has made milestone of his name. Holding a world inside, this book shows the maturity level of writing of any author. Besides, I personally believe that to write such books is the biggest challenge.
Kamal Paneru
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