A fictional twist on the best-known epic, from the perspective of an unknown character, Princess Uruvi, wife of Karna. The story is in tune with the epic, but shows us an aspect that has always been unexplored and brings many new perspectives and narratives to the fore, leaving the audience thinking, even after putting the book down.

Mahabharat, has taught us that Karna was a great warrior but he could never reach his true potential as he always sided with the evil Duryodhana. This book highlights the multifaceted character and tells the story in such a beautiful narrative that by the end of the book, you are left wanting more. You want to unearth and read more about Karna. Was there any truth to the highlights in the narrative or were they entirely fictional?

The story strikes a chord since a princess in love refuses to see the logic and warnings of her parents and well-wishers. She is so in love with this great warrior that she decides to go against everyone and chooses him in Swayamvar. Karan is chosen over Arjun, his arch-rival and he himself is confused, why? He had heard that this princess was going to marry her childhood friend Arjun of hers, but on the day of Swayamvar, he finds himself in love with her beauty and returns home with her as her queen.

Her life takes a turn and nothing is as she dreams, very shortly after getting married she realizes why everyone around her is warning her not to marry Karna, the low caste, Sutaputra. When she decides to look beyond the politics of the Kuru brothers and settle on her wedded bliss, the horrible day comes when Draupadi strips naked and Uruvi’s life is never the same.

A wonderfully written tale, with beautiful emotions from a wife concerned about her wronged husband. Her wife torn between her love and her conscience. Will she ever be able to love and laugh like before? Will she ever be able to forgive and move on in life? Can she ever become the love and strength that Karna has begun to seek in her?

The representation of the constant turmoil that Karna goes through day after day, due to the mystery surrounding his birth. The story of a mother willing to sacrifice her own son, the story of a son who searches for her mother and finally abandons her…

I loved reading this one for its simplistic language, wonderful storytelling, and freshness of characters. Go ahead and try it, don’t think you’ll be disappointed…