BOOK REVIEW: The Boy from Pataliputra by Rahul Mitra

Posted August 24, 2017 by @amanhimself in Book Reviews, Books / 0 Comments

The Boy from Pataliputra by Rahul Mitra
Genres: Fiction
three-stars

Pages: 384, Paperback
Published: March 2017, Fingerprint! Publishing
Cover Rating: 5/5

Set in 4th Century BC, Rahul Mitra’s The Boy from Pataliputra is based during the time of Alexander’s invasion of India. As Alexander is overcoming every kingdom to become a world conqueror, he has set his eyes on India.

An intriguing historical fiction that tells the story of a boy, Aditya, the protagonist, born in an upper caste family. Still thousands of kilometres away from the Alexander’s army, this boy who forced to leave his hometown after his brother os wrongly accused of a crime and as a punishment, is executed. With help, he joins a caravan and comes in contact with people of Takshashila where he meets other characters of this book wholesomely described and some historical figures.

The storyline runs parallel to a major historical period for which I applaud the author on his effort to create a separate timeline co-related to the real series of events that make the characters more lively. Third person narrative voice is used to enhance the pace of the story which I think most readers will find comfortable to cope with. The characterisation does lack a space of development that could have provide any character to play out its part formidably. I felt some characters should have been given more space to make things interesting.

The language used by the author is a mixture of antique and modern usage. Though being well written, the modern usage of words, I am guessing, is that the author must have felt strongly about them, otherwise regarding the context of the book, I don’t think they would have been there. Thus, the blend of modern day language with history certainly shows it did not work with my imagination.

This book is a for history lovers, especially those who want a piece of fiction blended with real historical events. Also, recommended to readers looking forward to read more of Indian literature.

3 out of 5!

Note: I received this book from the publisher but that doesn’t mean my review is breaking any reviewing rules and I thank them for their effort with all my heart.