“The Real Reads Ramayana is beautifully written, with a simplicity which yet contains all the drama of this remarkable story. Prema Jayakumar also manages to cover so many of the subplots, and weaves them in seamlessly, so the book never seems endlessly complicated as can so easily happen. Raji has illustrated the book beautifully, full of wit, drama and finesse. She combines traditional styles with a contemporary flavour, making the book reader-friendly without losing its epic quality. I am very happy to endorse this book.”
Jamila Gavin, respected children’s author who often writes about English/Indian cross-cultural issues. Her many books include Coram Boy (Whitbread Book of the Year 2000) and The Wheel of Surya (Runner-up Guardian Children’s Fiction Award 2005).
Rama is the embodiment of righteousness, honour and valour – the perfect man and the ideal king of Kosala.
Rama’s stepmother Kaikeyi longs to see her son Bharata crowned king, and persuades King Dasaratha that Rama, the rightful heir, should be sent into exile for fourteen years.
Rama’s beautiful and devoted wife Sita, and Lakshmana his inseparable half-brother, both choose to accompany him.
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana live happily in the forest until the demon king Ravana is told by his sister that Sita is the most beautiful princess in the world. He decides to kidnap her, and lures her away to his kingdom in the south. Rama and Lakshmana must rescue Sita, and call on the great monkey army, led by the warrior Hanuman, to help them find her.
Rama uses his time in exile to learn the true meaning of devotion and loyalty, but will the lessons earn him the reward he deserves?
© Real Reads 2024