Historical Fiction - Prithviraj Chauhan by Anuja Chandramouli

None of my books made me feel as guilty as Prithviraj Chauhan by Anuja Chandramouli. Anuja had sent me the review copy before the book was released but it was wrongly couriered to other address. It took me almost a month to receive that book. With tha1t mess up started unavoidable sequences called a book on the shelf. So Anuja I am really sorry for not able to finish the book on time.

Book Blurb

Prithviraj Chauhan was destiny's chosen one, singled out for glory and greatness. During the course of an extraordinary life, he transcended the limits imposed on mortals and achieved Godlike luster. The conquering hero dreamed of a united land where peace prevailed over war and love over hate.

Princess Samyukta loved him from afar, and when Prithviraj Chauhan claimed her for his own, defying the wrath of an implacable foe, their happiness was complete. Victorious in love and war, Prithviraj Chauhan was soon to discover that success came with a terrible price - trouble, treachery and tragedy. What happened next? Read the tale of the legendary warrior who lives on in the hearts of those who remember his unmatched valor and timeless heroism.

Before I start I would like to add a fact, I have read "Gujarat no Nath" and "Rajadhiraj" by K M Munshi. So when the story started with Kanchanadevi & Kumarpal I was able to relate plot. Don't worry if you haven't read those books, you can still read this book with ease.

So the story started with Pregnancy of Karpuradevi. She was adjusting a Chauhan-Chalukya customs. Married to a less capable Someshwar, she understood that her mother-in-law's expectations were high from her son. But Karpuradevi didn't want to restrain herself to just royal wife, she started developing skills under Kanchanadevi's tutelage. She knew that her mother-in-law would take care of upbringing and training of his sons and she would be neglected by her husband. From the birth, Prithviraj was able to attract the attention of Royals and commoner alike. His fame increased as he started growing up. Being a kind hearted, a skilled warrior and a good looking he was the center of attraction wherever he went. His own father was envying his son's fame.

I think I have given enough plot details, you can check the book for more details.

Talking about writing style, as usual, Anuja's storytelling gives you poetic feeling. Scenes would start with a person then it goes back or forth in some detailing. You need to keep patience to explore what will come next. She carefully developed each and every character based on historical facts It has taken some time for me to attach to the story.

The book seems heavy at places, and flow also bit boring, which have delayed my reading pace, Otherwise a nice read

Ratings

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Characters - 3.5/5
3. Content - 3.5/5
4. Overall - 3.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads