Review of Harini Srinivasan’s The Curse of Anuganga.
- Title – The curse of Anuganga
- Author – Harini Srinivasan
- Format – Paperback
- Print length – 296 pages
- Publishers – TreeShade Books (28 April 2019)
- Price- 350/-
Circa 403 C.E. In the thriving city of Nandivardhana, lives Shaunaka, a young man who yearns to go to Pataliputra to see the world and make his fortune. But he is forced to join his father’s jewellery making business and soon finds himself in the workshop — a job in which his heart clearly did not lie. Thankfully, along comes distraction in the form of two extravagant Weddings — royal nuptials at the palace and another wedding at the extravagant corner house in the Buddhist quarter of the city.
This house, known for its opulence and sheer size, is owned by Vinayashura, an affluent trader fabled to have mysteriously deep connection to the royal family. Shaunaka is given the charge to work on the bride’s jewellery at the corner house, but instead of the mundane task at hand, a morbid sight awaits — The Trader’s wife’s bloodcurdling screams bring Shaunaka to Vinayashura’s bedroom where he is found murdered and lying in a pool of blood!
What an interesting read this was! The story takes place during the reign of King Chandra Gupta and his daughter Maharani Prabhavati Gupta who rules Nandhivardana.
The story starts with a man being dragged into the city who keeps shouting his innocence, and later moves on to the great goldsmith Vishnuveera’s workshop.
Shaunaka , Vishnuveera’s son is not eager to follow his father’s footsteps but being an obedient son, takes on a commission to make jewels for the wealthy Vinayashura who is quite haughty and arrogant!
Vinayashura is murdered and Shaunaka and Ashwini, Vishuveera’s adopted son help the police solve the murder!
I liked the plot line of the story and how well the first chapter of the man being dragged off is tied to the climax of the story!
The narration is nice and easy flowing though at certain places I felt it could have been shorter!
I liked the characterization of Tarinika, Vinayashura’s wife, Shaunaka , Ashwini and their grandmother and Kavi Kalidas too.
The best part of this book is that the historical events have been kept as such and the author has weaved a beautiful mystery / thriller around that time period.
The author has maintained the suspense and thrill right till the end of the story.All the small bits and pieces are tied up in the end.
There is a glossary of terms at the end of book and some of the the Hindi / Sanskrit words have the terms translated in English within brackets in the story itself.
The assassination bid on Chandragupta could have been brought out a bit more in detail.
The cover of the book aptly portrays many of the events in the book. The blood stain, the palace, the birds flying above are all a part of this novel….
I am now waiting for the second book by the author titled – The Pataliputra Murders!
Go for it! History buffs and mystery lovers are sure to fall in love with this title!
An aficionado of literature, history and dance, Harini Srinivasan has found innovative ways of bringing her passions to her work. Among her achievements is her contribution as an editor of several prestigious publications published by the Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, such as Selected Speeches of the President: Pranab Mukherjee; The Republican Ethic: Selected Speeches of Shri Ram Nath Kovind; Indian Dance – Through a Critic’s Eye; Abode Under the Dome; Legends of Indian Silver Screen; and Selected Speeches of the Vice President: M. Venkaiah Naidu.
She also has to her credit a children’s book “The Wizard Tales – Adventures of Bun-Bun” (now into its second print) and a blog on classic Hindi films and books (www.bagsbooksandmore.wordpress.com)
Along the way, she undertook different roles (Civil Servant, Project Manager, Communications Professional and Editor) across countries (India, Germany and the Netherlands).
A doting mother of a 10 year old son, Harini Srinivasan lives with her family in Gurgaon.