3.7 Stars

There is much more to Mahabharata than the cookie-cutter versions or the extensive creative takes (which invert and distort the intent of the original). 

This book by Ami Ganatra is an attempt to explore the ithihasa, the characters, and the themes while also debunking a few myths. Kudos to the author for attempting such a massive task. Though the book doesn’t fully justify the tagline, it does provide something to the readers. 

I recommend this book to readers who have little idea about Mahabharata but want to know more without having to read the eighteen Parvas. Not that this book acts as a substitute. But it does a better job of discussing the characters than fictional retellings. 

Note that there will be repetitions (the author acknowledges it in the introduction). The book is not without a few flaws but it does the job.