Read What? The Misters Kuru – A Return to Mahabharata by Trisha Das
Read Where? I received a Paperback copy via #Bookchatter – the Blogchatter Book Review Program, in return for an honest review. The book is available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format
Language. Genre: English. Humor. Fiction/Drama.
Pages: 340
What’s it about? If you’ve ever let your imagination run riot and wondered what would it be like if the mighty Pandavas were to ascend on Earth as human beings, Author Trisha Das has beaten you to it! She pens this tongue-in-cheek story where Kunti, Draupadi, and Amba are comfortably ensconced in modern New Delhi (which used to be formerly known as Indraprasth). Draupadi wears heels, makeup, body-con dresses and hosts her TV Talk Show. Kunti is a Warden at an Orphanage.
Curiosity about the absence of the ladies in Heaven leads the men, the Pandavas, to land on earth, along with Sage Narad Muni. What follows is a hilarious account of how the Men adjust, rather try to, to modern times while the Women already have and no longer seem the same. This new life sees values being questioned. Virtues becoming vices and vice versa.
The men realize that adapting and adjusting to all that is strange makes life easier and also that the women did it with more ease than they can. And just when things seem to be falling into place, just like in the Mahabharata, the brothers gear up for another battle, this time against mortals on earth.
What did I think of it? If like me, you judge a book by its cover, let me share that you will not be too far off the mark about The Misters Kuru. I loved the eyecatching and colorful cover and the story matches it perfectly.
Trisha has seamlessly changed the world the characters existed in while she cleverly shines a light on their core values, making us rethink them. Yudhishtir is still adamant about being right, even though he sways to temptation. Draupadi hurtfully questions Arjun about why he did not stand up for her when he was asked to share his wife and she was being disrobed and humiliated. Kunti wants to make up for neglecting her illegitimate son Karan and tries her best to do so. Sage Narad Muni, who is known to be up to no good with his stash of spicy gossip, is all thumbs in the kitchen of the Orphanage as the bland food cooked by him is simply inedible.
As they live the roles they pick on Earth the reader travels with them, thanks to Trisha’s engrossing and fast-paced writing. We laugh with and at them, feel their despair, veer between decisions with them and then turn the last page with a triumphant smile and whisper, ‘Well done!’.
Wow or Not Now? If you are looking for a lighthearted and fun read that will make you chuckle as you turn the pages, this is your book.
What Else? This book would read better if you do not connect it to the spiritual and mythological Mahabharat and its characters. I must admit to being scandalized as I started reading it.
It does have shock value scattered through the pages (Draupadi owns a vibrator and Arjun is incensed that she needs one. Arjun plays cricket and the men wonder how the modern man can still manage to impregnate their woman despite wearing jeans).
*** 3 Stars to The Misters Kuru – A Return to Mahabharata by Trisha Das
My rating chart;
*Use it as a doorstop.
**Read it if you have nothing better to do.
***You may like it if you like this particular genre.
****Must read!
*****What! You haven’t read it YET?!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
Seems interesting, I am sure it will be a good read if we do not connect it with mythology. Thanks for sharing your review, M 🙂
I like the plot. Seemd to be a fun read. Yes advertising to your Review it is slowly scandalising if we connect it with Mahabharata in literal sense. Lovely review. Liked “wow or not now”
Hahahhaa my review is totally heading elsewhere!
I completed reading this book two days back and really enjoyed reading it. What if these characters really come back on Earth! They would be scandalised
Looking forward to your review, Simrit.
Loved the modern take on the theme of the pandava and their lives. It seems the author has brought some unanswered questions once again in the pages. This is interesting to know! Loved your review, so detailed yet short and crisp.
Thank you, Swarnali.
Love the fact that it is an imagination riot gone loose. Not one for too much ceremony over the mythology and its sanctity, if it educates us not, I find this review of yours valuably-hilarious; almost like your assessment of the book’s plot/story. Added to my read-to list!
Thank you, Anjali.
That’s such an interesting plot. It’s going to be a lovely read with loads of fun if we don’t connect with the mythological stories of Mahabharata.
Thank you, Shreemayee.
I like the style in which you have reviewed, sounds like an interesting read
Such a different and unique plot. Would definitely want to read this.
Mahabharat itself was scandalous, I love all takes on it. The review was awesome too…nice ratings chart…gave a clear idea on whatbto expect…
Thank you, Jigna.
Sounds like an interesting turn of events in the book, but really liked your style of reviewing.
Thank you, Raunica.
I have this book queued up for reading as well! Detailed review….let us discuss the book after i read it! After reading The Palace Of Illusions i have started enjoying different takes on mythology.
O my my! Imagination really running wild. Purists will tear it apart. Loved your review..straight and blunt saying it as it is. Especially the vibrator and jeans part. I think I have to get my hands on this book, thanks to your curiosity picking review.
By the cover and the review, I am guessing this would be gonna a fun read for sure. Also, new perspective and highlights of Kuru can be included. Would love to read it.
Thank you, Pamela.
Such a nice and honest review… book seems to be an interesting one.
Thank you, Smita.
First thing I loved is the cover of the book…. Your review is very interesting so I’m damn sure that the book will too…. Today’s generation is not properly aware of Mahabharat so they will definitely take interest in this book….
Very interesting review. Thanks for giving a new suggestion with your review. Will add it to my TBR
The eye-catching cover of the book is alluring me to the great read. Your review acted as a catalyst, my order is going soon;)
I have seen this book lying around the house, my daughter had been reading it. It looks like a fun read. I enjoyed reading your review.
Thank you, Madhuji.
This book seems interesting. Thanks for your honest review. The book cover is really eyecatching.
Thank you, Abha.
I always enjoy reading your honest reviews, Mayuri. I just finished reading the book, and you are right, this is not a retelling but an imagination run wild.
Even I loved the cover of the book and am intrigued to read the book. I like such light-hearted books. The plot certainly interests me.
What an exciting plot. The story of Mahabharata’s character in the modern era seems to have a gripping plot. Would definitely like to read this book.
Reading book based on Mahabharat characters is always delight to me, and yes we need to take this as fictional plot than attaching with the mythological characters.
I love mythology and in love how the author played with the characters here. Lovely review mayuri. I will put up mine soon.
The plot of the book has got me already. I know the mythological story well and would love to read the twisted and modern take of the author on it…
I like this concept of Pandavas. And your review is really great!