Book: Ambapali
Author: Tanushree Podder
Publisher: Penguin Books India
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 310
Price: ₹235 (on Amazon)
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I had, of course, heard about Ambapali but didn't really know the story, so reading this book was an enlightening experience. I enjoyed reading it thoroughly because the storytelling is really good, plus, it seems like a well researched book. A tale with several twists.
As we know Ambapali was a raj nartiki, later the nagarvadhu (the bride of the city) of Vaishali (in Bihar). When she was a sixteen-year-old chirpy girl, very much in love with her childhood friend Satyakirti, she won a dance competition, and that changed the course of her life and destiny.
The book is very well written; the language is neat and creates lovely imagery and apt ambience of the setting. Ambapali's character is well defined. I could envision her beauty and the aura; her vulnerability, longing and defiance. I loved her bonding with her father and friends. Her friend Priyamvada who stays with her through thick and thin is a darling. Her moments with Indrajit/Bimbisar are very expressive.
Two things that bothered me a little:
Sometimes, the narration jumps from one scene to another without any pause, scenes change abruptly, which was a bit confusing.
Also, since the story is told from multiple points of view, it would have been nice to read Satyakirti's pov, as well.
Overall, a very interesting and engrossing read. Pick it, especially if you like Historical fiction.
Is Ambapali the same as Amrapali? There's a Vaijantimala film on her, right? It had some gorgeous songs. I'd love to read about her, specially if, as you say, it's a well written book.
ReplyDeleteYes, and yes. I haven't seen that movie (or any song). Yes, it's a well written book. And I didn't really know the story so, for me, it was even more interesting.
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