The Legend of Parshu-Raam by Dr. Vineet Aggarwal: A Critical Review

   When one reads a neatly-woven novel, like Vishwamitra written by Dr. Vineet Aggarwal, with which one cannot disengage with and runs in a flow. The expectation looms large when the second work of his makes an appearance. The story is just not about the Legend Parshuram, its also about two other heroes: Rishi Yamdagni and Chandravanshi emperor Arjun. Unfortunately, the writer who showed much potential with his first novel isnt able to justify the place of these two heroes, in his second work. The first half of the book tells the story of his brother Yamdagni and the Chandravanshi emperor Arjun with lot of abstract information on history and geography, which could have been done away with. It breaks the natural flow of the reading, as well could have been the possible barrier when one is a natural writer. First few Adhyayae or Chapters, in the book, jump from one thing to another, reminding one of the frogs. Lack of coherence, makes the journey of the reader sluggish. The first half one can look forward to beautiful observation on life, description of the food and appearance as well. He is good in detailing that and one needs patience of an angler, until one reaches the second half. 

    The second half is what one should look forward to and runs in a flow.  One would marvel at the way he writes the second half, and one broods if the first half was written by the same person. Neatly woven, he shows the evolution of the Legend, with perfection: Parshu-Raam. Parshu-Raam pursued well in the second half, with his awakening of the soul and detailing of gory fights which the writer brings alive with his words. The conflict in emotion, turmoil and agony that the protagonist and the character around him go through makes the reading a smooth sail. It ends well! Hope he thinks of reaching more readers, when he writes his third. Wishing him a ‘coherent writing’ and ‘Being’ ahead!