--- product_id: 256323810 title: "The Great Indian Novel" price: "MX$1081" currency: MXN in_stock: true reviews_count: 5 url: https://www.desertcart.mx/products/256323810-the-great-indian-novel store_origin: MX region: Mexico --- # Top-rated with 4.5 stars Durable physical condition Pristine packaging The Great Indian Novel **Price:** MX$1081 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > πŸ“– Own a timeless satire that’s as sharp as your intellect! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Great Indian Novel - **How much does it cost?** MX$1081 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.mx](https://www.desertcart.mx/products/256323810-the-great-indian-novel) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Niche Bestseller:** Ranks top 100 in Political Fiction and Mythology categories - β€’ **Secure Packaging:** Arrives safely, preserving quality and presentation - β€’ **Enduring Durability:** Built to last for repeated enjoyment over time - β€’ **Critically Acclaimed:** 4.5-star rating from 700+ readers proves its literary impact - β€’ **Impeccable Condition:** No defects, ensuring a flawless reading experience ## Overview The Great Indian Novel is a highly rated, well-preserved physical book known for its masterful satire and cultural depth. Packaged securely and free from defects, it offers lasting value for readers interested in political fiction and Indian mythology. ## Description Buy The Great Indian Novel by Tharoor, Shashi online on desertcart.ae at best prices. βœ“ Fast and free shipping βœ“ free returns βœ“ cash on delivery available on eligible purchase. Review: I finished the book recently, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, which is saying a lot because my paperback edition is around 600 pages. I wouldn't consider the book a "literary" work, and I'm not sure what genre it can be categorized under (historical fiction?), but it's certainly a one-of-a-kind book, and a masterpiece. The concept behind the book is ingenious. Tharoor uses the great Indian epic, The Mahabharata, as the ground for writing a book on 20th-century Indian history and politics, like a Greek writer using The Illiad as the basis for a novel on modern Greek politics. The importance of that is two-fold: It shows the continuing relevance of this ancient epic in modern times, and it places the history of Indian independence and modern India within a mythic framework, like a continuation of the mythical history of India. The narrator is the original storyteller of the mighty Mahabharata, Vyasa, and, of course, his scribe is a representation of the original scribe, the deity Ganesha. Tharoor weaves the story of the great, mythic Indian struggle for freedom from the largest, most powerful empire in the history of mankind using characters from The Mahabharata to represent independence leaders and modern leaders (you can easily pick out Indira Gandhi). I thought the blending of historical and mythical events to be a really original conception for a novel. The characters are fleshed out well, and Tharoor shows his knowledge of Indian politics and the motivations and flaws of the people enmeshed in it. I also appreciated his empathetic characterizations of the poorer and more downtrodden in Indian society. The book was a masterpiece of satire and wit, and I liked Tharoor's prose style, particularly his penchant for alliteration. For a long novel, the story was well-paced and not difficult to read through. In fact, it moved pretty fast for me. I loved the ending (so Indian or Hindu). Perfect. Personal note: I enjoyed the fact that Tharoor made the character who represented Krishna a Malayali, just like Tharoor is and just like I am. Cool. Review: Un capolavoro letterario poco o nulla conosciuto in Italia. Per apprezzarlo al meglio occorre perΓ² conoscere qualcosa sulla storia e i miti dell'India ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | 0143420089 | | Best Sellers Rank | #72,155 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #173 in Political Fiction #434 in Mythology & Folk Tales #803 in Humorous Fiction | | Customer reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (725) | | Dimensions | 20 x 14 x 4 cm | | Edition | Latest Edition | | ISBN-10 | 9780143420088 | | ISBN-13 | 978-0143420088 | | Item weight | 200 g | | Language | English | | Print length | 648 pages | | Publication date | 1 September 2014 | | Publisher | India Penguin | ## Images ![The Great Indian Novel - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Lfw-skUsL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by S***N on 28 May 2023* I finished the book recently, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, which is saying a lot because my paperback edition is around 600 pages. I wouldn't consider the book a "literary" work, and I'm not sure what genre it can be categorized under (historical fiction?), but it's certainly a one-of-a-kind book, and a masterpiece. The concept behind the book is ingenious. Tharoor uses the great Indian epic, The Mahabharata, as the ground for writing a book on 20th-century Indian history and politics, like a Greek writer using The Illiad as the basis for a novel on modern Greek politics. The importance of that is two-fold: It shows the continuing relevance of this ancient epic in modern times, and it places the history of Indian independence and modern India within a mythic framework, like a continuation of the mythical history of India. The narrator is the original storyteller of the mighty Mahabharata, Vyasa, and, of course, his scribe is a representation of the original scribe, the deity Ganesha. Tharoor weaves the story of the great, mythic Indian struggle for freedom from the largest, most powerful empire in the history of mankind using characters from The Mahabharata to represent independence leaders and modern leaders (you can easily pick out Indira Gandhi). I thought the blending of historical and mythical events to be a really original conception for a novel. The characters are fleshed out well, and Tharoor shows his knowledge of Indian politics and the motivations and flaws of the people enmeshed in it. I also appreciated his empathetic characterizations of the poorer and more downtrodden in Indian society. The book was a masterpiece of satire and wit, and I liked Tharoor's prose style, particularly his penchant for alliteration. For a long novel, the story was well-paced and not difficult to read through. In fact, it moved pretty fast for me. I loved the ending (so Indian or Hindu). Perfect. Personal note: I enjoyed the fact that Tharoor made the character who represented Krishna a Malayali, just like Tharoor is and just like I am. Cool. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by C***A on 8 November 2014* Un capolavoro letterario poco o nulla conosciuto in Italia. Per apprezzarlo al meglio occorre perΓ² conoscere qualcosa sulla storia e i miti dell'India ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review *by B***N on 25 January 2019* Oned of the most interesting and amusing books I've read. Had to read it a second I enjoyed it so much. ## Frequently Bought Together - Great Indian Novel - The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity - India After Gandhi Revised and Updated Edition: The History of the World's Largest Democracy --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.mx/products/256323810-the-great-indian-novel](https://www.desertcart.mx/products/256323810-the-great-indian-novel) --- *Product available on Desertcart Mexico* *Store origin: MX* *Last updated: 2026-05-30*