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Mahabharata

Nonfiction | Scripture | Adult | BCE

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Book Brief

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Anonymous

Mahabharata

Nonfiction | Scripture | Adult | BCE
Book Details
Pages

928

Format

Scripture • Nonfiction

Setting

Ancient India

Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Mahabharata: A Modern Translation follows the epic tale of the Pandava and Kaurava families, descendants of the ancient emperor Bharata, focusing on their rivalries and the resulting Kurukshetra War. The story weaves together themes of duty, virtue, and the battle between good and evil, culminating in a massive war that reshapes their destinies and includes the renowned "Bhagavad Gita." The narrative delves into their lineage, conflicts, and philosophical discourses over twelve books.

Challenging

Emotional

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Mahabharata, a monumental epic, captures readers with its profound narrative and intricate characters. Reviews praise its exploration of moral dilemmas and vast cultural impact. However, its length and complexity can be daunting for some. Overall, it's celebrated for its literary and philosophical richness, but may require patience and dedication to fully appreciate.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mahabharata?

A reader who enjoys the Mahabharata by Anonymous typically has an interest in epic literature, mythology, and philosophical narratives. They might also appreciate complex character arcs and moral dilemmas found in works like The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer, as well as the existential questions explored in Bhagavad Gita.

Character List

Bhishma

The human incarnation of a sky god and son of King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga, known for his vow of celibacy and loyalty to the throne, playing a pivotal role in the events leading to the Kurukshetra War.

One of the five Pandava brothers and a master archer, distinguished by his divine heritage as the son of the god Indra and his deep moral and spiritual journey, highlighted by his relationship with Krishna.

A strong and dynamic central figure born from fire, revered as the wife of the five Pandavas, known for her resilience and her role in the ensuing conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas.

The eldest Kaurava prince, characterized by his ambitious rivalry with the Pandavas and his complex motivations driven by familial pride and loyalty, yet ultimately leading to discord within the Kuru dynasty.

Book Details
Pages

928

Format

Scripture • Nonfiction

Setting

Ancient India

Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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