Sri Lanka and India are bound together by the epic of Ramayan. Though Ravan is cast as villain, he also
had many great qualities. He was a Shiv bakth too. This is a beautiful novel which intertwines Ramayan
with a contemporary story. Riding with Ravan is different to other novels in that it mixes mythology and
science fiction in a seamless manner.
An easy read, the novel is written in fluid language and is a thriller with fast moving events. It takes the
reader through the mystical subculture of Srilanka and through beautiful but less travelled sites in Sri
Lanka and South India. The author has let his imagination flow freely, and conceptualizes an ancient
culture which was far more advanced than previously thought. He tries to add scientific credence to
many of the ancient stories in Indian literature.
The two protagonists are Sunil, an Indian air force officer, and Radhika, a single mom doctor. They are
brought together under circumstances beyond their control by unknown forces.
Sunil Mishra, a Kargil veteran, has many encounters with Ravan while holidaying with family in Sri Lanka,
which result in uncovering of mind boggling secrets of the ancient world. At one point Radhika faces the
tough decision of whether to place her own creature comforts before the security of her country. What
did she choose?
Although born in Sri Lanka, the author Ezhuth Aani’s love for the Indian people comes out at every turn.
There is even a dedication for the armed forces defending the Northern border. This novel is likely to
arouse pride and patriotism in the hearts of the reader.
For the young adult reader this is a gripping tale of love, infatuation and intrigue. In Radhika, the author
creates a character of a strong modern working woman. And he touches on human frailties that can be
seen in every one of us. For the more mature, this is a travelogue of beautiful areas of Sri Lanka and
India which are associated with Ramayan.
Riding is bound to inspire the cult of Ravan in his Pushpak Viman, and it is anticipated that it will lead to
spin off cartoons and even Bollywood movies.
Riding with Ravan may inspire a new genre, that of retrograde science fiction. Unlike the usual sci fi
which takes the reader into the future, Riding with Ravan goes back in time, yet incorporates many
brilliant futuristic scientific ideas.
One criticism is that it pushes the envelope on the cultural conservatism of Indian society, which is
changing rapidly in any case. However it reflects the reality of our society.
As usual Locksley Hall Publishing and The Book Bakers Literary Agency have done a splendid job in
bringing out this highly entertaining novel. The cover design by Suhail Mathur is classy, and gives the
reader great expectations.
