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Unlike Divakaruni, Yesodharan is not lyrical. But she creates enough interest and moves from the physical to the interior world of her characters with deftness. She poses questions.
Her quest is not the black and white world of the Mahabharata, of God and God-like creatures locked in the bind of dharma and karma. Her characters are real, visceral, they bruise and burn and hurt. And they deal with the paradox of life with their own perspectives.
And finally, an emancipated heroine! One only wishes that she were Indian (whatever that means!). But the image of Aremis – flaming red hair, green eyed, fierce female warrior, ready to shoot with her bow and arrow is undeniably compelling. (It does bring to mind Princess Merida of "Brave" – a kickass heroine in her own right!). A woman who needs no man to stand tall, who is possessed by no one, even as a second-class citizen in an arrogant civilization.
Aremis is both an ascetic and a warrior. "What does it mean to possess nothing…I already possess little beyond a mostly empty stomach and my bow."
Aremis longs to be desirable as a woman and yet, she knows that she has to hide her sexuality to be taken seriously as the King's body guard in the world of men.
She also knows she has to try harder than her peers. "It's not enough to be better than everyone else…I have to be better than their fantasies." The author might as well be talking about a boardroom in the 21st century.
She is unashamedly sexual – she owns her choices and this is refreshing. She doesn't see it as a means to an end, consuming it at her will. Because there is a difference between a sexual object and a sexual being.
"They won't write about you. The songs they sing about you won't carry your name. But if you do the things that you are meant to do, that can be enough." It rings just as true as the sermon that Krishna gave to Arjun before the Great War. And isn't this just what we should be telling all our bright young girls? You don't need to be the face that launched a thousand ships or the queen of anyone's heart. Do what your heart tells you to do; love where your heart leads you. Go forth and seek your own salvation.
Yesodharan serves new wine in an old, 11th century bottle. She is clever. She weaves individual concerns and social commentary, even spirituality, into a tapestry of senses, economic thrum and riches of the city and the empire. She conjures up a bustling port town, the sights, the sounds, the smells and the tastes. She mixes ghee with varied spices – star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger. She brings alive the heat, the humidity and the sting of the sun in the 11th century world of the Coromandel coast. Trade abounds between the Cholas and the Songs of the East and Nagappatinam serves as the primary artery.
Her world is not limited to the splendour of the Chola King's palace but shifts from the port that is loading and unloading 24X7 (Shanghai or Singapore anyone?) to the streets and barracks to the washing quarters. Marriage, wealth, the struggle and bind of urban life. The use of media in perpetuating ideals of beauty. Social structures, prophecies and interpretations – shaping public opinions. Opiate addictions. Loneliness. Dance bars. She weaves all of it in – if Aremis is the warp, then the socio-economic commentary is the weft. Yesodharan hints at the complexity of a migrant and the futility of war without dwelling on it. Her concerns feel modern. But are they?
The relentless training that Aremis undergoes. And the prize? An inane job. Yesodharan might as well be writing about bright young graduates twiddling their thumbs in their first jobs, wondering when they'll be called upon to change the world.
At the end of the day, the King is also a slave to the system. In this epiphany, Yesodharan breaks down all patriarchal, brahminical hierarchies. But is so simplistic? And aren't there ways to undo this unfair fabric?
One wishes that the latter half of the book had been longer – the setting holds so many possibilities. And there are some unresolved tensions and threads.
All in all, it makes a compelling read – the pace keeping you glued till the end.
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The rich Indian port Nagapattinam is attacked by a Greek pirate ship. W
Mythological and historical fiction is the new trend in Indian Literature. There has been a surge of books with several definitions and versions of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Freedom Struggle, and India's wars but little has been written these days about the forgotten reign of kings of one of the longest ruling empire in the Southern India, The Chola Dynasty. Ms. Yasodharan has unveiled the era with a fictional element of Aremis.The rich Indian port Nagapattinam is attacked by a Greek pirate ship. While they expect to loot the port and get back to their kingdom overnight, it does not to occur to them how prepared and unbeatable the naval forces of their adversary has been. Defeated pathetically, the Greek are forced by Ananta, the supreme commander of the Indian Emperor, to concur to the treaty containing terms and conditions put forwards by the Cholans. Hundred gold coins, three of their undamaged ships and sixty of their able bodied young men below the age of fourteen are the conditions of the treaty. To find an unharmed soldier after a battle in which they were brutally defeated was nearly impossible. All that the Greek commander could rustle up is twenty soldiers of their first battle, two cooks and one eleven-year old girl. To his surprise, Anantha accepts the captors including the girl.
The girls Aremis, grows in the Indian soil, trained by Shrey, to b sculpted as a fine warrior. Slowly, she makes her weakness her strength and starts fighting with brain. However talented she proves her to be, she is treated as a useless foreigner by her peers even after her emperor trusts her to guard his person.
The plot is unique and it is to be encouraged that the protagonist is a woman, contrary to the male dominated character build up seen off late in the similar genres. Author shows how a woman uses her weaknesses smartly and make them her strength. It is not easy for a girls to survive in the male world. Aremis's determination and focus is too good to be true. The story is solely about Aremis. It is also about a dynasty ruled by a king who is never satisfied with the conquest, for whom war is an intoxication. The story is not just about Rajendra Chola, Chola Dynasty and Aremis, it is also about the fights wars, Srivijayans and Song China.
The book seems to be a bit longer than required. One more round of developmental edit is required.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
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Empire by Devi Yesodharan, a historical fiction novel, which brings alive the time of the Cholas (and coastal life at Nagapattinam, which most remember today as the place severely affected by the tsunami more than a decade ago)
The main character, an intensely observant female Greek guard/markswoman. Skilled but unsure, with growing confidence through the book'
Empire by Devi Yesodharan, a historical fiction novel, which brings alive the time of the Cholas (and coastal life at Nagapattinam, which most remember today as the place severely affected by the tsunami more than a decade ago)
The main character, an intensely observant female Greek guard/markswoman. Skilled but unsure, with growing confidence through the book's events ( Somewhat like us navigating historical identity waters today)
A thoughtful, empathetic, well paced long read. Many passages are just lovely, self-reflexive about history/war/kings/positions/bardic lore itself.
Some lines like this one, a real beauty - 'Toddy sits before us like captured moonlight.'
A sooper intro to Chola power. Probably deserved a more masala title, maybe, a sharper end, as arc shifts go protagonist-wise and definitely a more intelligent cover, befitting the text.
Also, this is the first desi historical fiction kitaab I've read, where the main character flirts with bisexuality.
In the author's notes she mentions that the novel is historical fiction and the characters and their stories are a work of imagination (fertile imagination, if I may add) based in an actual spac Just finished reading 'Empire' authored by Devi Yesodharan and published by Juggernaut. Wished it continued for a while more. Wonderful tale spun with wonderful introduction of characters, who tell the story in first person which ensures that you get an all-round ringside view of the action as it happens.
In the author's notes she mentions that the novel is historical fiction and the characters and their stories are a work of imagination (fertile imagination, if I may add) based in an actual space and time in history. It is based in Nagapattinam during the Chola dynasty. The narration is flawless and flows with ease without any grammatical errors and neat editing. Devi has a firm grip on the tale and the actors therein, except for a bit towards the end where she seemed bored and unsure, but picks up pace with elan and rides on!
It is not a gripping novel but has a way of growing and sticking on your awake time to ensure you keep reading at a laid back pace. The story, as mentioned earlier, is not about just one person but a lot of different characters though the protagonist is Aremis who despite being a foreigner, a female, who is a part of the 'winnings' of the Chola King in a battle against invading Greeks, manages to rise a notch above just being a slave to a warrior of significance – a feat in a patriarchal and feudal society.
History buffs will love it and even history haters will enjoy it! Definitely worth a read!
Thank you Juggernaut for sending me this book for an unbiased review. Enjoyed it! Looking forward to more books from Devi Yesodharan. ...more
Even though I'm not fond of (or rather I haven't tried reading them) Historical fiction, I enjoyed reading 'Empire'!
I love women as central protagonist and Empire has Aremis, a strong and only woman warrior, who not only beat all the boys in a tournament but qualifies to be the throne guard of the Chola King.
'My Yavani protector is much too tall for me,' he says.
' She is tall yes. But she here as your guard, my King, no
'The strangest flowers,' my brother said, 'have come out of ordinary grass.'Even though I'm not fond of (or rather I haven't tried reading them) Historical fiction, I enjoyed reading 'Empire'!
I love women as central protagonist and Empire has Aremis, a strong and only woman warrior, who not only beat all the boys in a tournament but qualifies to be the throne guard of the Chola King.
'My Yavani protector is much too tall for me,' he says.
' She is tall yes. But she here as your guard, my King, not your dancing partner.'
Written in first person from two Points of View, this book seems very well-researched and the language neat and well-suited to this genre. Characters do (or the author make them) justice to their roles.
Just one thing - I thought, for this story, it would have been better if it was written in third person PoV.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read and it has inspired me to read more historical fiction, especially with strong female central characters.
Full review on my blog: http://tarangsinha.blogspot.in/2017/0...
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The story revolves around the Chola Dynasty & their quest to sustain their supremacy in their area. The protagonist of the book is Aremis, a young girl who was surrendered to the Chola army commander Anantha along with others by the Greek when they tried to attack one of their rich port Nagapattinam but failed miserably in front of Chola's power. She grew up among her captors & trained as a skilled warrior, she learned archery with all her might which ultimately got the attention of
Review- 4.5/5The story revolves around the Chola Dynasty & their quest to sustain their supremacy in their area. The protagonist of the book is Aremis, a young girl who was surrendered to the Chola army commander Anantha along with others by the Greek when they tried to attack one of their rich port Nagapattinam but failed miserably in front of Chola's power. She grew up among her captors & trained as a skilled warrior, she learned archery with all her might which ultimately got the attention of the Chola king who made her his personal guard. But can a female warrior survive among other male warriors who are jealous of her? Read about the journey of a warrior who bloomed even in unfavourable conditions.
Read the full review on Just Another Bookaholic
Indian history has a wide plethora of stories that can be used for umpteen retellings and it is delightful to see that there is many a book or a movie coming out lately that makes people familiar with the tales of their own past. Even the aforementioned Bahubali was a fantasy epic that had its roots in a fictional South Indian Kingdom. Devi Yesodharan chooses the influential, rich and colourful time of the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu to tell her story. Now for a bit of history :
The Cholas were a Tamil dynasty that ruled primarily from Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Two of their Kings namely Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola were men whose exploits have become legends in Indian history. Raja Raja elevated the Cholas from a typically Tamil dynasty into a truly formidable force to be reckoned with and that too across the whole of South India. Raja Raja expanded the dominion of the Cholas across Sri Lanka, Maldives and also across North-Eastern India and the dynasty reached it's apogee in his time. The son Rajendra who did not want to be outdone by his father continued the policy of expansion by strengthening an already powerful Navy into a far more superior weapon. In Rajendra's time, the Cholas initially came close to being a pan-Indian power and his conquests led him as far as Bengal and Bihar. After his victory at the banks of the river Ganga, Rajendra acquired the title of Gangaikonda Chola which translates into : the Chola whose conquests took him as far as the Ganga. Rajendra did not stop there though and led his naval forces across the oceans and brought under his control parts of Cambodia, Thailand, Sumatra and Java thereby again transforming the dynasty into one that spread across Southeast Asia. The Cholas were patrons of art, music and grand temples and the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is a standing testimony to the grand vision of these kings and is a sight to behold.
Empire is set during the reign of Rajendra Chola and the major part of the story occurs just before and during the time he mounts a campaign against the Srivijaya Empire in the Malay Peninsula. The story unfolds through the view point of Aremis who gets captured at a very young age by the Cholas while the Greeks conduct a raid in the former's ports. Aremis grows up as a warrior in the Chola barracks and gains repute as a fearsome archer. It is her viewpoint that becomes the most prominent in the story. The second principal character is the commander of the King's armies by the name Anantha who was also the man who took the decision to acquire Aremis as war booty during the ill fated Greek raid. The two characters share a love-hate relationship and while there isn't anything close to camaraderie between the two, they acquire a sort of equilibrium as the story proceeds. Triumph, tragedy, heartbreak, sorrow, blood, sweat and tears all find their way into the lives of these two individuals while behind them rises the grand backdrop of the war that the Cholas are mounting against the Srivijayans. As a reader, something I really appreciated was that the larger than life King was treated more or less as a supporting character while Anantha and Aremis took the story forward. If the author had chosen to focus just on the militaristic aspect of the Cholas then this story would have been just another run of the mill albeit forgettable one but the author focuses extensively on human emotions and also about life in a bustling capital city at the height of its power. The writing is empathetic and gives your vivid snapshots of the little things in the lives of these two people.
While there is so much that the novel accomplishes so well, it also leaves a lot to be desired in terms of plot closure. In the early parts of the story, there is an important sub plot around the Queen which gets almost fully forgotten (save a tangential reference) by the time the story comes to a close. The final battle scenes also do not do justice to the massive build-up all through the story and pretty much gets brushed aside rather quickly. The human side of the story is pretty solid but it stops just short of being a great historical novel when it does not explore the larger themes of history towards the later parts of the story.
Recommended ! There needs to be more such stories that delve deeper into Indian history.
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Historical fiction in India is under-represented, and even more so, from a South Indian perspective. Am looking forward to more of this!
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This book is a great read for someone to understand the culture, food and people of the 11th century. In all the books I ve read of empires in India, this is the first one which focuses on the naval prowess and power of an empire. The author has brought in some refre During the Bangalore Literature Festival, I got to hear the author Devi passionately and logically talk about History. Historical fiction being my favourite genre, I was pleasantly surprised to see a book written on the Chola Empire.
This book is a great read for someone to understand the culture, food and people of the 11th century. In all the books I ve read of empires in India, this is the first one which focuses on the naval prowess and power of an empire. The author has brought in some refreshing perspective and I enjoyed taking pauses in some sections of the book to reflect on the poems and deep food for thought.A lot of research has been put into the book. One of the protagonists of the story is a Greek woman named Aremis and she tells the story of the Chola court like an outsider. It is a good lesson from history that we get a better perspective when we get an outsiders view of our society. I think this is very relevant for our modern day society.
Loved the book.Looking forward to the sequel. ...more
This was the first time, i read a historical fiction and now i think i will definately pick more in this genre...
The story is about a girl Aremis, who is a greek POW to the cholas who train her into being a warrier and a throne guard to the Chola King, she is skillful, brave and stares dange Before I Write this review, i will like to tell you that i am a big fan of mythological fiction..... and i believe historical fiction is a cousin of mythological fiction.... i am so happy having read this...
This was the first time, i read a historical fiction and now i think i will definately pick more in this genre...
The story is about a girl Aremis, who is a greek POW to the cholas who train her into being a warrier and a throne guard to the Chola King, she is skillful, brave and stares danger in its eye but she is a captive in the chola land and therfore is not treated well, this is her story of earning the respect of the men who treat her as their inferior, and of helping the cholas in a really big battle,
The story is filled with betrayals, love, lust, conspiracy, jealousy and all these factors make this an amazing read....
When i came to know of the jcb prize longlist, this book immediately attracted me and now i know why it was so.... this was one amazing reading experience for me.... ...more
The alternative narration makes it a bit difficult to read at first but you get used to it as you progress. The book starts of slowly but picks pace after the Queen enters (not sure who she is . Just wondering what happens to that character . Was it explained, did I miss anything ? HELP! ) . T
Wish the book had two parts . Felt the last phase of the book was done in a hurry , not that the writing was bad (the last two were the best two chapters actually) but could have been a bit more detailed .The alternative narration makes it a bit difficult to read at first but you get used to it as you progress. The book starts of slowly but picks pace after the Queen enters (not sure who she is . Just wondering what happens to that character . Was it explained, did I miss anything ? HELP! ) . The last 2 chapters on the build up to the war takes me to Nagapattinam port and the rough sea rides will stay in memory forever. The narration was amazing (Wish we had more details)
Being a big Chola and Chola books fan , I expected the book to be more on the King but the fictional story was not bad either . Finally , will miss Aremis . Hope we have one more follow up book !!
...more The book has two points of view and in my opinion is the biggest problem of the book. Both the characters are protagonists, so you don't really get other views and the greyness of the characters is unexplored. So more POVs, similar to GOT, which I am sure is a big inspiration here, or a narrator view might work better and it would be a lot more
A breezy read. Is well developed at the beginning but seems to end in a hurry, a lot is left unexplored. Probably there could be more books in the series.The book has two points of view and in my opinion is the biggest problem of the book. Both the characters are protagonists, so you don't really get other views and the greyness of the characters is unexplored. So more POVs, similar to GOT, which I am sure is a big inspiration here, or a narrator view might work better and it would be a lot more fun. I am surprised these bits were not caught by the editors.
If future books promise more characters, more complexity, and more plot I would love to read more, but I won't be compelled to read more in the format that it currently is in.
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Required reading.
Loved it. Devi Yesodharan's Empire is nothing short of extraordinary. In imagining the height of the Chola world and telling a story set there, she had an ambitious enough project. But in weaving this setting into a narrative both compelling and intriguing, she has more than done justice to it. There's so many layers in Empire to unpack, which means it needs re-readings and additional research as well, but for now, I can say that this was just amazing.Required reading.
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Opening with the scene of war, the narrative quickly shifts to Aremis who though lonely and sad, trains rigorously to be an archer. Discontented, Aremis voices her treatment as an outsider by the people in the Chola kingdom, "They call me not by my name, but 'Yavani'. The foreign one." Even after being the subject of the prophecy who will bring glory to the king, she remains at margins throughout the book trying to belong, to achieve fame and success in the foreign land. Through her female lead, Devi Yasodharan brings out the fractures in the Chola society. Despite being the greatest archer of the times, both the title and the prize evades her, for she is not only a female but also an outsider. "'Will I make you famous if I win?' I ask him. 'More as a traitor than a hero, perhaps. If you beat all these strapping Chola youths, I really don't know what anyone will think."
Alternating with her narrative is the story of one of the most powerful man in the empire, Anantha, who though is one of the bastions of the Chola empire, does not necessarily represent its ethos of patriarchy and superstition. Entwined by their loyalty for the king, Aremis and Anantha cross paths – first to protect the king from the treachery and then to bring glory to him in the war.
Through an interesting cast of characters – Rajivan - the mean kid who abuses power, Perumbil - who like Varys in The Game of Thrones trades on information to maintain his power, Shrey – the stereotypical teacher who guides Aremis to her destiny, Mandakini – the woman who though at the margins of the society understands its power structure quite well; the author brilliantly brings to life the Chola kingdom with its conspiracy and plotting, marketplace and commerce, taverns and courtesans, grandeur and pomposity.
The book leaves no stone unturned to sing songs about the power and wealth of the great Chola Empire. From the very beginning of the book, the wealth of the Chola kingdom is painted as a stuff of dreams – godowns containing the treasures, gold, silverware. Although the author establishes the legend of Rajendra Chola, the king always remains in shadows – planning war, bestowing justice, awarding punishment – he never comes across as a flesh and blood character.
An intriguing storyline coupled with a fast-paced narrative in the first part, however, the book starts to fall apart in the second half. While the first part is heavy with mystery and suspense surrounding the queen, court rivalries and political machinations, the focus in the second part of the book entirely shifts to the war. The author suddenly seems to lose interest in the plot weaved so intricately and is only concerned with winning the war which is rather done quickly and without much effort. The book ends rather hastily, leaving behind unanswered questions and unresolved sub-plots - the prophecy, the palace conspiracies, perilous schemes. Even though open-ended, the book succeeds in evoking the 11th century Chola Empire with its vivid details and gripping storyline.
Links: Amazon | Goodre
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I enjoyed reading about the people, places, and culture of ancient times in South India. I have read the translated version of 'Ponniyan Selvan' earlier and this story is also around the same time period. I love the way the author has dwelled deep into the characters of Aremis and Ananta going through their innermost fears and problems. This depth in characters connects me to them very well as a reader.
There is not much story in this book but a good amount of history and information about the people, kingdoms, hierarchy, culture, and mindsets of people in those days. The wars, preparation before the wars, the strategies of King and the ministry, the struggle of soldiers on long sails in those days, the effort of everyone else to satisfy their king, the loss during wars are explained very well. I don't know about the problems on sailing long distances with less food and water until I read this book.
The map of the empires in those times, sea routes and the brief about each character in the starting of the book are really helpful.
What didn't strike a chord with me?
Since the author shifted between the perspectives of Aremis and Anantha in every 20 pages, it seemed confusing while reading.
I felt, there are some loose ends to be connected at the end like the mystery behind the returned Queen and the future of Aremis or to know if she wins King's favor again. I think, there is a sequel in the author's mind.
Overall, I recommend this to all who love to read a historical fiction based on Cholan period.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Ps: I have received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion on the book.
...more ― Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis
Empire, based during the Rajendra Chola period, easily falls in the 'treasure' category.
Devi spins a yarn intricate, her prose is light-hearted and visual. When Aremis, one of the two central characters, walks through the crowded street of Nagapatti
"Read sometimes for the story, Bobby. Don't be like the book-snobs who won't do that. Read sometimes for the words - the language. But when you find a book that has both good story and good words, treasure that book."― Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis
Empire, based during the Rajendra Chola period, easily falls in the 'treasure' category.
Devi spins a yarn intricate, her prose is light-hearted and visual. When Aremis, one of the two central characters, walks through the crowded street of Nagapattinam, it's as if we the reader are taking the walk. The sights, smells and the food draw you into the main story. There are beautiful lines strewn across - there is much to underline and savor at a later date!
Anantha, the other central character and Aremis are a study in contrast. Old and young, man and woman, insider and outsider, general and foot soldier - yet they have more in common than anyone around them. The story feels natural, never forced, the action is restrained but engaging.
The novel is really greater than the sum of it's lovely parts. Devi's immense research efforts show clearly (she is credited as a researcher for Imagining India so no surprises there) and that let's her interleave fact with fiction around a period largely ignored till date. The result is a book with both a great story and beautiful prose - a 'treasure' which is my new favorite.
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Aremis was 12 years old when she was left behind by the Greek raiders as a prisoner of war. She is trained with the other boys to be a part of the Chola army. She tries really hard to fitin, but her foreign looks and nationality always creates a barrier. She gives her best and is selected to be a part of the king's bodyguard.
Read the complete review
The story is set in the 11th Century, in the Chola kingdom ruled by Rajendra Chola. There are two main characters in the story Aremis and Anantha.Aremis was 12 years old when she was left behind by the Greek raiders as a prisoner of war. She is trained with the other boys to be a part of the Chola army. She tries really hard to fitin, but her foreign looks and nationality always creates a barrier. She gives her best and is selected to be a part of the king's bodyguard.
Read the complete review on my blog - http://blushesandsparkle.com/empire-b...
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