A review by elle_reads
Vanara- The legend of Baali, Sugreeva and Tara by Anand Neelakantan

4.0

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BOOK REVIEW⁠
[Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva, and Tara] The (arguably) first love triangle in the world creates new goddesses and cities.⁠
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WHAT I LIKED⁠
Anand Neelakantan writes for those unfamiliar with Indian legends. It is easy to follow. I appreciated his explanations which I know to those familiar with the legend must be basic. Vanara is quick read that pulls you into the lives of Vana Nara or Vanara men. It was fun, and I learned a lot!⁠
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Not all is as it seems as this seemingly lighthearted legend takes a step to the philosophical at the end. I loved Neelakantan’s passage of time at the end of this legend. He expertly emphasizes what changes and what remains the same.⁠
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WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⁠
The characters have a flat ‘legend’ quality. They are one-note throughout the next. The lack of character development makes them seem not fully alive. However, I think this is emblematic of the legend genre. ⁠
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Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva, and Tara (Anand Neelakantan) ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️4/5⁠