Jataka Tales ~A Reimagination – Editor Bijit Sinha

 
 

 
 

AUTHORS
Reina Sagar, Asmee Dewan, Jayaditya Gupta
Shaarav Jhamb, Pragnya Gupta, Liubov Gorejko
Syona Brar, Lalit Kohli, Anika Malhotra
Jonathan Munluo, Lavanya Sharma, Bijit Sinha
 

Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
ASIN : B08LPRVT8Z

 
 

A weekend scriptwriting assignment for 5th Graders of The Ardee School, Gurugram sees four Jataka Tales re-imagined by eleven young creative minds, to produce a theatre book that is in every sense a reader’s delight. All four stories have one common element i.e. the Bodhisatta (Buddha before attaining enlightenment). People familiar with the Jataka Tales which is native to India, know it as a voluminous literature that has at its core stories involving the previous birth cycles of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. However, in whichever form he may be, he exhibits a virtue worth emulating.

Coming to the four stories re-imagined and presented by the young minds of The Ardee School, Gurugram it is interesting to note that in each of them there is this element of rejection albeit in different forms followed by the acceptance that leads to enlightenment for those around the rejected. Presented in fluid style these stories are not only a source of inspiration but a message to the world at large that what meets the eye may not always be the truth. The truth may be veiled waiting for the right time and the right place, and sometimes to understand it one may have to spend a lifetime. Packed with interesting twists and turns and in some cases, nail-biting action, the Jataka Tales edited by Bijit Sinha offers the readers food for thought. Characterization which is an integral part of any play/ story has been taken care of perfectly in each of these four stories making them ready for successful enactment on stage. While ‘The Bodhisatta and the Master Mariner’ sees a blind son being rejected only to make an appearance years later to make his parents proud and pave the way for the prosperity of his province and those surrounding it, ‘ The Bodhisatta and the Garuda King’ reveals the power of intelligence and how it can make even the seemingly weak win over an opponent without raising a hand.

‘The Bodhisatta and Prince Samvara’ is a tale of a prophecy gone wrong as a result of which a prince has to face rejection from his father throughout his life. However, time and tide take a mysterious turn, and what follows is a tale with a climax that I’m sure you would not have seen coming.

The fourth and final story in the book i.e. ‘The Bodhisatta and the Principal Blacksmith’ is a tale that touched my heart. Though the tale starts like any ordinary tale with a child being blamed for the death of his mother and having to face rejection from the only one he can call his dear and near, it slowly but steadily reveals a tale that is not only intriguing but touching too. Here again one comes face-to-face with the fact that outward appearances can be deceptive and that what meets the eye may not be true. It is also a tale of a son reclaiming his father’s honour.

VERDICT

Tales for all ages meant to regale the reader along with providing food for thought.

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Disclaimer

This review is a part of the Half Baked Beans (HBB) Book Reviewing Programme . The thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are my own and have not been influenced by either the author or the publishing house in any manner

Book Review ~ Wild Card 3 : Never say Never by Asfiya Rahman

 
 

Publisher : HALF BAKED BEANS
ASIN : B08HDDB6G
 
 

 

A story of grit and determination weaved in a fabric that seems fragile ‘Wild Card 3’ sees family relationships subjected to the test of time, doubt cloud faith, and the rebellious nature generally associated with adolescence find a voice. Protected since birth, Roshni Mehrotra, daughter of tennis champion Karan Mehrotra enters the portals of higher education believing that life there too would be a roller coaster ride like at school only to be disillusioned before long. However, the gritty one that she is, she is far from calling it quits. Instead, once the initial phase of exasperation wears off Roshni takes hold of herself, her emotions, and her life. There are only two things that stand between Roshni and her dreams – her wheelchair and an over-protective guardian, her dad Karan Mehrotra. Will Roshni be able to live her dreams, or will she wilt under the pressure of her disability?…Wild Card 3 is a battle between emotions and aspirations. Ultimately who wins is the big question.

Narrated in fluid language, Wild Card 3 is a short and sweet read. It is a fine sketch of a bundle of conflicting emotions that every teenager experiences at some point or the other in those years when both their physical and mental state undergo a sea change, a change which for many is akin to a challenge. The author must be complimented for her wonderful portrayal of the protagonist Roshni and her mental state.
 

VERDICT
 

A read that is bound to take one down memory lane and re-live the adolescent period, Wild Card 3 is a book for both the young and old alike. Not a drop of tear is shed nor a smile masked right from the beginning to the end.

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