Book Review: Chanakya In Daily Life by Radhakrishnan Pillai

Chanakya In Daily Life

Author: Radhakrishnan Pillai
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 3.5/5

Fredrik Backman has correctly said- Everything is complicated if no one explains it to you. “Chanakya in daily life” is a sincere attempt by Radhakrishnan Pillai to throw light on the delicate and hidden threads that hold the life together. It is these threads that need to be cherished and nourished so that they become stronger with each passing day. This is not a story; this is not a memoir or a biography of the great Chanakya. Instead, this book explores the mesh that we build and make our life more complicated. It aims to offer a more simplified and more realistic approach to understand the complexities of life.

Unlike the other non-fiction books, this novella presents the teachings of Chanakya in simpler and easy language. The title of the book is catchy and apt. With a creative cover and a very precise blurb, the book does not fail to leave a lasting impression. I would like to compliment the quality offered by Rupa Publication. It is top notch! The author has carefully taken care of the blurb and presented it with utmost precision and care. The font (style, size) is perfect. The layout, content section, division of chapters, and the typesetting is fine.

Coming to the content in the book, the book is a quick read. There are things one would have already read or known about, but there are other things that make sense and give a feeling of satisfaction. The book does not force anyone to incorporate everything in their life, but instead, it offers an insight into the aspects that remain hidden from us in our daily lives. For the ones who have a flair for nonfiction books and are open to varied perspectives, this book will definitely be well liked. The author has used lucid and extremely simple language (a boon for all people, in general, and loss for the ones seeking creative writing). Nevertheless, this book does not leave its readers like a lost ball in high weeds, for it relates to everybody. The author has tried to cover the three major areas of life- personal, professional and family life. Chanakya’s teachings were not limited to war fields and politics only. The way the author has brought out the meaning and application of his teachings in our lives is commendable.

Although the editing and proofreading are fine, I did not quite like the simplicity of language. But this cannot be counted as the drawback. Somewhere, the uncomplicated words forced me to toy with the idea and not ponder.

But all said and done, the book definitely aces the test. Yet another marvellous feat by the author and the concept is worthy of appreciation.

Best wishes!

Buying Link: Amazon