Starred review from February 15, 2018
Majmudar, an accomplished author, offers this new translation of one of the most important works of Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita (or Godsong). As an American who grew up in a secularized Hindu family and as Ohio's first Poet laureate, Majmudar (The Abundance: A Novel) is uniquely qualified to produce a modern translation for the English reader. Emphasizing the relationship of the characters over its doctrine, primarily that of Krishna and Arjuna, Majmudar maintains that the Bhagavad Gita depicts a relationship of friendship in which the soul and the Divine are considered as equals. (He asserts that the Gita is the greatest poem on friendship in any language). Overall, his translation is well-written; the text is easy to understand and it maintains its poetic quality. It is supplemented with a short introduction illustrating the author's main ideas, notes on the principal Sanskrit words that he chose not to translate, and brief synopses of all 18 chapters (or sessions). He concludes the translation with "Listener's Guides," which provide context and further elaboration on each session. This is a well-crafted and exceptional translation of a spiritual and cultural masterpiece. VERDICT Recommended for those wishing to learn more about Hinduism or for those looking for spiritual inspiration.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL
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