My first read of the year – stories from ancient land with the theme of queerness running through them.

To begin with the author – Devdutt Pattanaik; a noted mythologist discusses this theme from the viewpoint of Indian and Non-Indian philosophies. This view is better explained by giving examples not only from Indian subcontinent but beyond it.

Then the stories begin. First is of Shikhandi- it presents detailed account of the predicament faced by Amba, who was reborn as Shikhandi. She pays too a high price for being an intelligent, independent woman; abduction, rejection, insult and death. Author explains it in significant few words and then your mind starts wondering for the answers.

More stories follow – from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas and folklores. Each presents a non-conformist angel of the society with flesh and bones characters like Ila, Budh, Mandhata and even Krishna. Raises questions and try to find answers to them as per today’s conformist view. And some questions are unanswered – for it’s up to a reader to place answer as per his/her perspective or they are better left unanswered.

Quite an immersive, thought provoking reading to begin with. Will definitely recommend it.