53 pages • 1 hour read
R. K. NarayanThe Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In R. K. Narayan’s The Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Kosala, is exiled for 14 years due to palace intrigue by his stepmother, Kaikeyi. Accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana, Rama faces numerous challenges, including Sita’s abduction by the demon king Ravana. With help from allies like Hanuman, Rama wages a valiant battle to rescue Sita and ultimately returns to reclaim the throne.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
R. K. Narayan's The Ramayana garners praise for its accessibility and skillful retelling of the ancient epic. Readers appreciate Narayan's engaging narrative style, which preserves cultural significance while making the story approachable. However, some critics note that the abridged nature may omit depth found in the original text. Overall, it's seen as a compelling introduction to a classic.
Who Should Read The Ramayana?
A reader who enjoys The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan appreciates richly woven mythological tales and epic narratives rooted in Indian culture. Suitable for fans of The Mahabharata and The Odyssey, this classic appeals to those who relish timeless stories of heroism, duty, and divine intervention.