The Ramayana: A Modern Retelling
of the Great Indian Epic by Ramesh
Menon
Rama's Delight
The great Indian epic rendered in modern prose
Indias most beloved and enduring legend, the Ramayana is widely
acknowledged to be one of the worlds great literary masterpieces. Still an
integral part of Indias cultural and religious expression, the Ramayana was
originally composed by the Sanskrit poet Valmiki around 300 b.c. The epic
of Prince Ramas betrayal, exile, and struggle to rescue his faithful wife,
Sita, from the clutches of a demon and to reclaim his throne has
profoundly affected the literature, art, and culture of South and Southeast
Asia-an influence most likely unparalleled in the history of world literature,
except, possibly, for the Bible. Throughout the centuries, countless

versions of the epic have been produced in numerous formats and
languages. But previous English versions have been either too short to
capture the magnitude of the original; too secular in presenting what is, in
effect, scripture; or dry, line-by-line translations. Now novelist Ramesh
Menon has rendered the tale in lyrical prose that conveys all the beauty
and excitement of the original, while making this spiritual and literary
classic accessible to a new generation of readers.
Personal Review: The Ramayana: A Modern Retelling of the
Great Indian Epic by Ramesh Menon
Almost everyone in the world has heard of Homer's "Iliad" & "Odyssey".
They've also heard of "Beowulf" and "Don Quixote" and, of course, "Lord of
the Rings". Why is it that the Ramayana is not well-known? It's an Indian
masterpiece, an epic of vast proportions that is equal to "Odyssey", and a
religious setting that's almost as great as "The Pilgrim's Progress".
It is the story of Rama and his wife Sita, who has been captured by a
raksha (a.k.a. demon) named Ravana. 75 percent of this story deals with
Rama's attempt (with the help of his brother Lakshmana) to rescue his
beloved wife. The man's quest involves many encounters with meat-eating
trees, hermits, talking animals, and a vast monkey army (this isn't "Planet
of the Apes", I'll tell you that).
Ramesh Menon's retelling of Valmiki's Ramayana is a good one. It's
perfect for today's generation, and there are only a few words that need to
be looked up in the dictionary.
The one problem I had with this epic is that there is a constant stream of
sobbing. Many characters cry for many reasons. I know I'd feel emotional
when something bad happens, but this seems constant in Ramayana, and
it becomes quite irritating.
So anyway, The Ramayana is a treat for those who love epics and
fantastical imagery. And if you don't mind polygamy in fiction, then you'll do
fine.
A-
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