Alternate Mythology - All lies says Krishna - a Book Review

I have read many versions of Krishna, still my hunger for one more never satiated. Last month only I have read Yugpurusha. And as Janmasthami was near, I took another book, which was "All Lies, Says Krishna" by J. Rajasekharan Nair. Just to tell you I have read stories where Krishna was shown as a shrewd politician than a god, so my acceptance level with the creativity of writer is flexible. I like to read alternate history/mythology and I accept it open-mindedly.

Book Blurb

Its thirty-six years after the Great War of Kurukshetra. The curse of a bereaved mother has deprived Krishna of everything, except his life. And so he journeys to Vrindavan, the village of his innocence, to spend the concluding hours of his life with his childhood friend and lover, Radha. In her presence, Krishna peels off the layers of myth that portrayed him as the incarnation of God. And at her request, he retells the story of the Mahabharata, like you have never heard before. All lies, says Krishna is an emotional journey into the tortured inner universe of its central characters, focusing more on their flailings than on their heroism. A charismatic retelling of the Mahabharata, this compellingly told narrative has a distinctive voice which sets it apart from anything you have ever read.

"All Lies" is one such attempt. If you believe Krishna was all godly, he doesn't have any gray patches, then you should avoid this book. If you would like to flow with Authors imagination then you may try this book.

Years after Mahabharata war when Krishna's fame spread in whole Bharatvarsha as a demi-god, he lost his kingdom Dwarika due to family feud & nature's wrath. He was sort of lonely. He left for Gokul/Vrindavana in search of his childhood friends & his love (Radha). When he reached there and met Radha after years of separation, two souls yearned for each other, they found solace. Here in front of Radha Krishna revealed some of his darkest secrets. He cleared out that he was merely a human who controlled things with his wisdom, wit & cunningness. Though completely imaginary in words of the author, you may question some of the belief you had about Krishna.

As I said the book need open-mindedness for acceptance. The pace is medium. You can easily read out the book because of the ease of language usage. I like the way cover designed, though not a single character is used in cover art, the way colors merged gives an impression of Krishna's "Morpankh - Peacock Feather". Talking about newness, yes you will find a new perspective for sure.

Ratings

1. Cover - 4/5
2. Content - 4/5
3. Concept - 4.5/5
4. Characters - 4/5
5. Overall - 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads