The Mahabharata Secret

Book: The Mahabharata Secret

Author: Christopher C. DoyleYear of 

Publication: 2013

Publishing House: Om Books

Genre: Fiction/Mystery

Summary: 

The book follows the journey of Vijay after he returns to India on learning that

his Uncle “Vikram Singh”, a retired nuclear scientist has been brutally murdered. Just before
he was murdered, Vikram Singh leaves a series of e-mails with riddles and puzzles for Vijay.
As he returns, Vijay understands the significance of the said e-mails & riddles. Caught in
emotions for his late Uncle, wishing to understand the meaning of his last message to him
Vijay is soon caught in the web of new complexities present before him. Dangerous,
life-threatening men follow him and his friends like a shadow while they continue their pursuit
of the secret, Vikram Singh had guarded with his life. Their trail leads them to places
destinations and places, possibilities of which were unthinkable before. They visit the world
of Ancient India when the Mauryan Empire was at its pinnacle under the rule of “Ashoka the
Great”; and mysteries, myths related to the stories of great Indian epic “Mahabharata”.
What is that secret which Vikram Singh had to guard with his life? What is that mystery
the unveiling of which might pose a threat to the world? Who are those men who killed Vikram
Singh? Why those terrorizing men are now after Vijay and his friends’ lives? These are the
main questions around which the subject of the story revolves.

Context of the Story:

The setting of the story alternates between ancient India (244 B.C.),
500 A.D. and to contemporary World. The main plot of the story is set in present times. It
artistically shows the connection between different time-periods; and how stories set in
ancient times affect the present day world.

My Opinion:

 First and foremost, the story idea of the book is worth applauding. The writer
has merged historical facts, legends and mythical stories with fictitious parts really well. As a
the story, the book keeps the reader hooked all throughout.

The starting of the story was very promising. Though as the story proceeds, the plot (not the
mystery) becomes predictable, monotonous. The ending of the story though is not
extraordinary but stands out. All the characters of the story add something to the story and make
the reading worth the time. Yet there were one or two characters which could be easily made
out.

The friendship shown between the main characters of the story is endearing. Personally, for me, the character which though had only a few scenes; but had the most impact was that of
Vikram Singh. His character set out the most important base of the story and his unseen
presence could be felt all throughout the book.

One can see the hard work author has put in while writing those considering the fact that history and
mythology has a major role to play in the story. When the characters solve clues, the reader can
feel the rush with the characters. Though one can say that the clues were shown to be
solved a bit too easily at times. The author for me was successful is in making a reader feel
the emotions with characters; their worries, the pressure and tension of being followed.  Readers who expect stories to be “realistic-realistic-fiction” might be tad bit disappointed. But if the reader is someone who enjoys stories with “fiction-reality-entertainment” mixture, he will certainly enjoy the story.
  A special mention is again made of the fact that hard work behind research in the book, in
mythological, historical aspects really showing the book.

My rating for the book is 8.5 out of 10.

It was something which made my reading experience pleasant and satisfying. the difference between fact and fiction was tactfully merged in a way, it renders one curious at the end of the ook which of the mentions in the book is actually a fact or legend; and which is pure fiction.