Ramayana
Written by Arshia Sattar | Published by Juggernaut Books 2016 | Restless Books NY 2018
“Rama pulled the splendid arrow out of his quiver. It had been given to him long ago by the sage Agastya who had told him that he could use it only once and only for a great enemy. The incomparable arrow held the wind in its feathers, the sun and the moon in its shining tip, the earth in its shaft and the power of the doomsday fire in its flight.”
Ramayana—an unforgettable tale of love, adventure, flying monkeys and gods acting in the world of humans—has been treasured by readers around the world for thousands of years.
“A classical Indian literature scholar offers a brief and engaging version of the ancient and beloved epic Hindu poem Ramayana. Based on oral tradition, the book narrates with poetic language the journey of the divine Rama as he rescues his beloved wife, Sita, after she was abducted by the evil, 10-headed demon king Ravana…. The author does an impressive job of portraying Lord Rama, a revered Hindu god, as a well-rounded figure with all the doubts, faults, and fallibility of a mortal, as when he tests Sita’s loyalty and chastity on three different occasions…. Vibrant, detailed, and mystical illustrations showing ferocious rakshasas (demons) and graceful heroes enhance the text…. The fluid and evocative prose and nonstop action are sure to draw in those who already know and love this classic as well as providing an accessible introduction to readers unfamiliar with the story. Striking illustrations and a compelling narrative bring an important Indian tale of good and evil to young readers.”
“Ramayana: An Illustrated Retelling has been beautifully illustrated with double-page spreads by Sonali Zohra. There is something grungy-funky with the almost wood-cut like impressions that are very appealing. The illustrations complement the text well too…. A magnificent gift for children — to read, to treasure.”
—Jaya Bhattacharji Rose, Confessions of an Avid Bibliophile
Sonali Zohra 