First piece of Hindu/Indian literature I've ever read, very interesting.

A retelling of a classic Sanskrit epic.

William Buck has retold the story of the Ramayana, weaving in storylines from different versions of the epic. In the beginning, the origin of the demons (Rakshasas) and of the interaction between indulgent Gods and boon-seeking demons, and the worst of them Ravana who terrorizes Gods and men alike, is told. The story of King Dasaratha, and his four sons, the eldest Rama being the hero of the eponymous epic, follows. The main plot is that Rama, banished to the forest, retires there with wife and brother. Sita, his wife, is abducted by Ravana, and his ire aroused, Rama proceeds to wage war with the help of a monkey army, kills Ravana and retrieves his wife. The stories are illustrated with sketches of monkey warriors, kings, and men, which add allure to the text. (Ill: Shirley Triet). The narrative captures the flavor of the Indian epic very well, without making the story skeletal. The characters are well established, and some narrative conventions well preserved, as well as the magical nature of mythical beings are well conveyed. All in all, a unique and worthwhile rendering (if not translation) of the epic. ( )

A reasonably complete copy of the Sanskrit epic. Not exactly flavorful, but I have yet to find a better one. I find Buck to be pretty dry, which makes this feel like a scholarly read, not a fun read. But he's the defacto translator for Indian epics. ( )

An excellent rendition which can be read to or by children as well as adults. ( )