The Hanuman We Never Knew (Book Review)

Book: Saraswati’s Intelligence

Author: Vamsee Juluri

Publisher: Westland

In India, since childhood, the mythological stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana are ingrained in us. We have grown up perceiving a certain character in a certain way, without even giving a thought on the facts and fictions. Similarly, we have a traditional image of Lord Hanuman established in our minds; while the author in this book ‘Saraswati’s Intelligence’ has attempted to portray a different picture, unconventionally.

When one talks of Hanuman, we automatically relate it to Ramayana; the mythology sees him as a loyal and close comrade to Lord Ram and a fearless fighter. But was he always as fearless? Was devotion always an essential part of his character? Could the bhramachari hanuman too have a love story?

“Everything you know of Hanuman is about to change”

This mythological fiction ventures into complete different areas. It talks of an unheard story of Hanuman depicting him in a very different light… as the synopsis says ‘before the dawn of man there was Hanuman’.

This mythological fiction is the first in the trilogy and marks the days of a teenage yet determined Hanuman, who along with his guru Vishwamitra and cousin Sugreeva is on an adventurous trail to unearth that deadly race of creatures, which poses severe threat to Kishkindhavasis.

The plot gets interesting when we enter the ‘enemy lines’ or when Hanuman goes in search of the threat which is looming on the heads of kiskindhavasis. Saraswati’s Intelligence is his story of the discovery of the righteous.

Talking about the book, I have to mention that the description of events and scenes is so vivid that I could clearly picturize the beautiful locations described; the musical waterfall and Hanuman slowly gazing at the scenic beauty and enjoying the nature in the troubled times too.

This mythological fiction is essentially different than the others because the essence of that particular era – Satayuga is marvelously retained. It is evident in the thought process of people, which is all about creating and flourishing and not abolishing. The goodness in the people binds them to follow the concept of ‘defeat, not destroy’. The author has carved out a different level of understanding of the ‘pain’ of the antagonist. It’s surprising!

This is not Ramayana, having said that, some of the events do resemble the epic. It will be interesting to wait and watch what the other two books have to offer.

Overall, I feel this book is as good as a brief trip to the Satayuga. You may read this book to discover the story of the Hanuman, we know nothing about.

PS: So Mr. Juluri, I wonder, if the creature mentioned in first book will shape up and becomes humans….curious to read more J

My rating: 4.5 Stars

We should not only read this book as a fiction but try and imbibe the good qualities mentioned in it.

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