Book: The Thirteenth Day
Author: Aditya Iyengar
Available At: Flipkart

"The Thirteenth Day" is a fresh new perspective to the Mahabharat that will force you to think again. The new perspective is set in the present times and is relevant in the social scenario as well. I got this book as part of the "Flipkart Book Review Program."

The tale is told by three persons - Yudhishthira, Radheya and Abhimanyu. It is a fresh new take on the age-old story and it forces you to think. Yudishthira is seen since ages as the administrator but in the book he is revealed as a person who did not have the people's vote of confidence at all. Instead the people's choice winner was Bhima and Yudishthira was actually seen as a spoilsport by all. The book is also humorous to boot and its uncanny gems force you to lighten up, when you least expect it. He is clearly one of the most under-rated and misunderstood characters in the whole story. This novel does bring his contribution to light and correct the injustice, but it is a long way to go before he finally gets his due.

Radheya or Karna, the king of Agra also takes part in the story and shares the story from his view-point. He is ridiculed no end for his supposed humble ancestors. The book is a stark reflection of the present day society as well. Never mind the fact that thousands of years have passed since Mahabharat took place. There are some things that haven't changed and will never will.

The book is fast-paced and keeps the reader hooked till the very end. However, the ending does seem a bit abrupt.

All in all, a remarkable debut by Aditya Iyengar. The book is littered with some remarkable humorous gems and some great anecdotes. It is well-researched and authentic to boot.