Prithviraj Chauhan: The Emperor of Hearts by Anuja ChandramouliMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book of Anuja Chandramouli that I have read after "Kartikeya: The Destroyer's Son", and find her to a very credible storyteller of Indian historical and mythological fiction. The characters while still great heroes, are also very human with some self doubt and weaknesses in situations. The characters grow on you as you read on based on a string of episodes in their lives which add layers to their characters gradually.
Prithviraj Chauhan's is a great story in any case - a tower of strength in the face of invaders seeking to conquer, subdue and plunder. He is thrown into conflict very early in his life and a domineering mother and a complex relation with his wife Padma add to the early challenges. He later falls in for Princess Samyukta and very soon tragedy strikes them both in different ways. In the end Prithviraj Chauhan his head high, upholding his honour and self respect knowing what the decision would mean for him.
While the story follows the broad contours of popular accounts of history, there is great depth of detail which is built around the characters and their history.
The initial stages of the book has a number of characters being introduced which can be a bit confusing, and a character index would have helped. And there is a great deal of focus on war - but then I suppose that is what those times were about - especially in the face of great dangers.
If Indian historical and mythological fiction interest you, this is a book you will love.
I received a free copy of the book so as to be able to provide an honest review.
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