Many authors have tried to make "heroes" out of "villains". Dhuryodhana was called "Suyodhana" for instance. But this book is far from being an epic for reasons like it lacks depth when it talks about "Ravana". As a subject matter of "Ravana" the author has failed to produce any references and has not quoted his resources. The author has tried to write in the first person of "Ravana". But, instead it looks like the author screaming to make it looks like his. The book is full of debauchery and story lines are convoluted and twisted according the author's convenience. The book wishes that the readers would give a second thought to "Ramayana" after reading this but the book's quality of narration is very weak for that to happen. The quality of English especially in the double quotes in the books is very very sub standard. If the book was not called "Asura" and was not based on "Ramayana" but instead a book on a local mafia and protagonists shortcomings towards his life, probably it would have made some sense. For a heavy topic like "Ramayana" the author doesn't stand in good stead instead is far from claiming any authority on the subject. Factually wrong, lacks depth, no references, lack of good quality English - a very ordinary effort to malign/defame a magnanimous work like "Ramayana"! Asura is the story of Ramayana from the perspective of Ravana and perhaps from the perspective of Asura inhabiting the Southern part of India. This story is quite unfamiliar to people in North India who know the Ramayana of Valmiki and Tulsidas. In Asura, Sita is the daughter of King Ravana, who was discarded by his tribe for bringing him bad luck. Rama was shown as spineless person who follows the popular Dharma as interpreted by Brahmins to discards his wife Sita, kill an lowercaste who acquires knowledge of Veda and even kill his brother Lakshamana. Rama is a symbol of deceit who kills Bali hiding from behind a tree, kills civilians of Lanka in night. According to Asura, Lakshama did not kill Meghnadha in the battle-field but in his own chamber in night by using deceit. The character of Ravana is represented quite well and he finds justification for all his actions. You must read this book of 500 pages only if you are broad-minded and willing to accept a totally different point of view.
What do You think about Asur-Marathi (2014)?
too cynicl even for me couldnt read it all. maybe another time
—kriscans
The other side perspective of Ramayana beautifully written
—mrcool
A fresh take on Ramayana from Ravana's view!
—shauna
