The Twice Born -by Uma Mahendran Comment On This Article Below. Return to the article Raj Shekar comments : Hi Shoba There IS a book by Shashi Tharoor called the Great Indian Novel...that attempts this character play between historical and mythological facts or fiction. I enjoyed reading it, and it seems, so did many..It was quite a best-seller in its time. Since he's constantly shifting from the Mahabharatha to pre/post independant India, many of the vast array of charcters have been fiiled out by crossed metaphors. The past freely exchanging with the not too distant past...:) Its one really witty piece ofhistory and mythology..intermixed. I for one enjoyed reading and chortling at almost the entire book...more so in the first half.. I am sure he must have taken some liberty in accurate sourcing, or spoofing there...but in context to the present book review..it may be a relevant source...for grey facts. Do tell me if this helps in any way Shoba comments : hi raj shekar, you have prodded me along somewhat. question is how much "license" does one have in changing the roles of characters from its "original" status? for eg., to say that vasishta was viswamithra's pupil is like saying jesus christ was moses pupil. i'm not concerned about the 'back drop' thing, but this interchanging is it allowed. i know next to nothing abt writing and was just wondering why i was feeling flabbergasted with references like this in the book, but at the same time mesmerised with the inter weaving of ages...hence the loud thinking abt various pralayas and manus. Raj Shekar comments : Hi Shoba Literary license....hmmm..is pretty much a free for all, I'd presume. Each author chooses/determines how 'true' to the original (which itself may be debatable) she/he casts their characters...or even the plot, in context/relevance to its historical authenticity. As long as it does not amount to an intended 'defamation' to the sensibility of readers...I believe 'restraint'..in creative freedoms, is not really on an authors priority list....:) Remember the hue and cry over 'Satanic Verses' by Rushdie. Many will argue vehemently, both sides of the coin with passion and faith in their rights/stands. My guess is, each one to their own...whether reader...or author...particularly when one deals with mythology...As, 'authenticness' of these 'stories', tend to be underpinned by faith, rather than facts...or a choice of shades between. As a reader I for one would correlate the tale with the 'supposed' facts only if it was meant as a serious tome or record/reference etc. Or, a point in an argument... Scifi is a typical example... where reality and fiction and delibrate leaps of fancy...mix freely...to make interesting reading.My point being, why get serious if the intent was a book meant...just to be enjoyed or thought provoking....:) Shoba comments : thank you again! see, what's niggling me is this:i'm an indian immigrant. but i spent my informative years in india and therefore have some sort of exposure towards indian practices, traditions etc., i take it as my responsibility to inspire and instil the next generation with these values i picked up. many immigrants in spore and msia do not have the opportunity and maybe inclination even, to grow up in india and understand their roots. as such, many practices are done out of memory. this is not just in spore and msia but also in mauritius, reunion etc., it is to be expected that there will be influences from the local culture and language, but there must be some basics which shouldnt change isnt it? it is safe to pick a chandaamaama comic, coz the contents do fairly good justice to the "original" works. we read and we pick up information. when i read this book, i could question certain aspects but what abt a reader who has no background to these characters? i already have young relatives who are asking me abt the roles played by the characters in the book. and of course i dont have an answer. hence the query. any way thanks for taking the time to respond and share your thoughts. shoba Kalamaushika comments : hello! i picked up this book during a used book sale and has since become one of my most fav books to read.. ive read it many times and was curious about the characters, events and whether or not it were true events... i have not much knwledge of the vedas, so when i looked up in the internet for some information, it made me even more confused.. now, everything is jumbled up in my mind just as yours is.. hahaha.. just thought you should knw.. lol..