A Mythological Retelling of Love and War

Kamalika_Reads 36

Book: The Clash of Hari Hara

Author: Antar Atreya

Publishers: OM Books International

Genre: Mythological Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

Antar Atreya was endorsed by the same agent as I, and so I met him first as a guest at my book launch ceremony. When he released his book, I was immediately intrigued by the plot he chose for the story.

What the book is about :

The Clash of Hari Hara by Antar Atreya is a retelling of Assamese folklore, weaving the tale of Krishna’s grandson, Aniruddha, and his marriage to Usha, daughter of Banasura. This union sets the stage for an epic war between Hari (Krishna) and Hara (Shiva). While inspired by mythology, this book is not a strict retelling but rather a creative reimagination with significant liberties taken.

What I loved about the book :

For readers who enjoy mythological fiction, this book makes for a decent read, especially for those familiar with Assamese folklore. As someone who grew up hearing this tale, I found the premise engaging, and the setting in Sonitpur added a sense of familiarity. 

I also loved how it was shown that God, being righteous, also have to be partial and is bonded by their boons and promises at times.

What I felt could have been better :

The dialogues fail to capture the essence of the bygone era, feeling too modern for the setting. Additionally, the descriptions of palaces and cities are lacking, making it difficult to immerse oneself in the ancient world. A deeper historical and cultural research could have enriched the narrative significantly.

Another letdown is the battle itself. Given the title, I expected a more detailed and intense depiction of the war between Krishna and Shiva. However, the conflict is confined to the last two chapters out of sixteen, with most of the book focusing on the protagonists’ personal journeys. While their story is important, the imbalance leaves the reader wanting more of the promised epic battle.

There are also minor typos, such as inconsistencies in chapter and character names, which I hope will be addressed in future editions.

Why one should read or not read this book:

Overall, The Clash of Hari Hara is an interesting attempt at mythological fiction. It deserves kudos for bringing out the stories hidden in the layers of India to the mainstream. 

Get the book from Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/clmP4Hc

The book boasts a beautiful cover that truly elevates your reading experience. Do you look at the book cover while buying? Comment below.