The Peshwa: The Lion and the Stallion by Ram Sivasankaran | Book Review
Blurb:
It is the 18th century and despite the dominant Mughal rule, the Maratha Confederacy has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Subcontinent. The fragile peace between the two powers is threatened when Balaji Vishvanath Bhat, Peshwa of the Confederacy, foils the plans of Nizam Ul Mulk of the Mughal Empire, and asserts the power of the Marathas. However, little does the Peshwa know that he has dealt the Nizam an unintended wound—one with roots in his mysterious past and one that he would seek to avenge till his last breath.
When the Peshwa surrenders his life to a terminal illness dark clouds gather over the Confederacy as it is threatened by a Mughal invasion as well as an internal rebellion.
All the while a passive spectator, the Peshwa’s son, Bajirao Bhat, now needs to rise beyond the grief of his father’s passing, his scant military and administrative experience, and his intense love for his wife and newborn son to rescue everything he holds dear. Will the young man be able to protect the Confederacy from internal strife and crush the armies of the Empire all while battling inner demons? Will he live up to his title of Peshwa?
Review:
The Peshwa is a book that takes the readers on Bajirao Peshwa's journey from his birth to the first battle he wins against the Mughals. I started reading the book with a blank canvas because my knowledge about this great hero is restricted to the information I gathered from the movie “Bajirao Mastani”. However, I must say the author has done an excellent job in portraying the life journey of this great hero. The characters are well established and the storyline realistic.The description and narration is so vivid that the reader feels as if he is present in that era. Although the book is based on fiction but I liked to read it and enjoyed it thoroughly.
‘The Peshwa’ is a fascinating read! A fast paced well crafted book with a tightly knit storyline. The book is set in the 18th century and has depicted one of the major wars between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.
The narration of the events is very intriguing which keeps the reader hooked to the book. Although it is historical fiction but the author has written it in a very engrossing manner which is refreshing with various twists and turns. The battle scenes are very very vivid and the reader feels as if everything is happening in front of his eyes.
We are all aware of Bajirao’s love interest Mastani, especially after the release of the film. But those who are looking for some romantic angle in the book will face disappointment as there is no mention of Mastani except in the epilogue.
The pace of the book is very good that keeps the reader glued to it. The cover is very beautiful and gorgeous. Just loved it.
Overall, The Peshwa is a sure page turner and is highly recommended to those who have interest in historical fiction. A great work by a debutant author.
I received a free copy from Writersmelon in lieu of an honest review.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Other Details:
Author: Ram Sivasankaran
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback
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