The Curse of Gandhari : Book Review


Book review

Title: The Curse of Gandhari
Author: Aditi Banerjee
Genre: Mythology 

The Curse of Gandhari is an interesting retelling of The Mahabharata from the lens of Gandhari- the mother of the Kauravas. 

Through her eyes we are privy to her childhood and growing up years in the kingdom of Gandhar, her betrothal to Dhritarashtra and her vow to blindfold herself. We see her journey as a newly wedded bride of Hastinapur and her dynamics with the Queen mother- Satyavati. The plot delves deep into her psyche revealing her bitter feelings of resentment towards Kunti who always seems to get the better of her, her failure as a mother and her introspection of how the entire war started in the first place. 

The story alternates between the past and the present where Gandhari has taken refuge in the forest along with Kunti and Dhritarashtra. The characterization of Gandhari is one of the finer aspects of the book. Written in close third person, the author brings to light her complexities, suffering and emotions that range from fear, anger, anguish and sorrow. Her helplessness is what elicits sympathy from the reader. 

While the book goes on to address the nuances of fate, Karma and Dharma, the main focus here is the the equation between Gandhari and Krishna. Gandhari has always in awe of Krishna. And yet she doesn’t hesitate to curse him for being responsible for the death of her hundred sons. The conversation between them towards the end of the book comprises of reflections, revisiting the past, questioning one’s actions, the price one pays for fulfilling a vow, embracing mistakes and understanding the cycle of life and death. 

Mahabharata as an epic imparts some sound lessons. The Curse of Gandhari enhances some of these philosophies interspersed with a story of a woman who had the will of an iron. A book that is bound to be enjoyed by those who love The Mahabharata and it’s retellings.

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