Menaka's choice by Kavita Kane

"Menaka's choice" by Kavita Kane. This book is published by Rupa Publications in 2016 and has 290 pages. This is Kavita's third book.

As the title suggests, this is the story of Menaka, the most beautiful celestial Apsara. An Apsara who dares to live and dares to marry against the law.

Indra feels very territorial about Menaka but she is in love with Vishwa Vasu, King of Gandharva's. He curses him to become Kabandh, a demon, and banishes him to earth on a flimsy pretext. Menaka is incensed and distraught but helpless. The tussel between Indra and Menaka is the main stay of first half and her torrid romance with Vishwamitra and then her choice forms second half of the book.

Author has tried to bring forth the plight of Apsaras, who were created to entice, seduce, dance and entertain in short creatures of pleasure. They were not supposed to develop feelings for anyone. Neither marriage nor children were for them. So despite living in heaven they lived a cursed life.

Menaka is most beautiful of the Apsaras, she is intelligent, quick thinker, confident and knows her craft very well. Despite being part of Indra's court she does not subjugate herself. She is feisty, fiercely loyal and ready to go to any length for her love and loved ones.

When Indra comes to take Menaka away from Vishwamitra, her arguments and subtle prodding and inciting fear in Indra to drive him towards decision she wanted is the high point of this book.

Author purports the theory that Menaka left Vishwamitra on her own accord, not because Shakuntala was born or because she wanted to return to heaven but because she felt guilty that Vishwamitra deviated from his goal of becoming Brahmarshi because of love and lust for her. She loved him so much that she let him go. It was a choice she made.

Since it's the story of Menaka, the most beautiful seductress, it has to be erotic. And so it is. But the romantic scenes are not vulgar.

Special mention should go to the book cover where a sensuous bare back Menaka is shown from behind.

Although this book is good, it is not as good as the two previous books of this author.

Recommend reading.

Vishwamitra by Dr Vineet Aggarwal

"Vishwamitra" by Dr Vineet Aggarwal. This book is published by Penguin Metro Reads in 2014 and has 242 pages.

As the title suggests this is story of legendry Vishwamitra, the man who dared to challenge the Gods, who was born Kshatriya but had a burning desire to become a Brahmarshi.

His hatred for Vashishtha & Devas started from his defeat at the hands of celestial cow Nandini and later Brahmarshi Vashishtha as well as after the Indra-Menaka episode.

Character of Vishwamitra is full of contradictions. He is born Kshatriya but wanted to become Brahmarshi. He leaves material world for penance but falls for the carnal pleasures with Menaka. He is highly intelligent, creative and capable but acts irresponsibly. He achieves highest level spiritually but can not get rid of hatred. He hates Devas, but appeases them with Yagna and sacrifice. A very interesting personality.

Author has used up a lot of page space until Vishwamirtra renounces his kingdome to start his penance. Episode with Menaka is written realistically and is probably the best part of the book. Final transformation of Vishwamitra from a person who wants to avenge Vashishtha to a person who repents happens too suddenly. Author could have spent a few more pages for this part.

Author has narrated the tale in the fashion of historical account rather than a fiction novel. He has also used modern language and scientific terminologies in the book, to explain mystic powers, that did not exist in those times, so the ancient atmosphere is disturbed.

Cover design of the book is good. It shows Vishwamitra in the process of creating new world for Trishanku. But six packs of Vishwamitra are not clearly evident, they should have been prominent (Painters error?).

An OK book. Read if you have time.