American Maharajah – review

American Maharajah is the second novel by American author Mark Steven Levy. Like his first one, this is also published by an Indian publisher and has been released exclusively to the Indian readers because it features Indian characters and a completely Indian story which revolves around deserts of Rajasthan. This 204-page novel is very interesting and a simple read and it took me about a day to finish it with occasional pauses. Here is my review of American Maharajah for the readers who want to read the book by Mark.

The Plot: 3.3/5

I won’t say that the plot is the best it could be; however, the plot is strong and interesting enough to be able to hold the attention of the readers until they finish it. Secrets have been hidden and disclosed properly; the author does not tease you more than enough and he does not cross the threshold of suspense which unnecessarily protracts the tension in the readers’ mind. It’s Ravi, the protagonist, who is discovering interesting (and sometimes shocking too) facts about his birth and upbringing. Other than that, the inclusion of Suraj Pershad and Aishani’s longings in the plot has a very good impact on novel’s overall appeal. The novel is good enough on the front of its plot – it could be better but it scores fair.

Storyline: 3.6/5

Major characters in the book are Ravi Shankar – an Indo-American young man with many questions in his mind once he is in India, Aishani – a young and beautiful lady who was supposed to be the wife of Amar and thinks that Ravi is the reincarnation of her deceased love Amar, Suraj Pershad – father of Amar and the Maharajah of a village in Rajasthan. Ravi, after his breakup with Melissa, his girlfriend, reaches India on a trip to ease his mind and explore his motherland. However, in an unexpected series of events, he reaches in a palace where he finds an old king referring to him as his son and a lady thinking that he is her love. After that, the novel takes different twists and turns to finally compelling Ravi once again to visit India and this tour unfolds deep secrets about him and his birth and his family. In short, the story is interesting – not so mysterious as well. American Maharajah justifies the title and lets the readers have a tour of Indian conscience through an American’s eye…

Language & Narrative: 4

Mark Stephen Levy, as the name suggests, could have used all the skills that he commands in language. However, he has kept it simple and clean. You will love reading what he has written because his word choice is very apt for the kind of novel American Maharajah is. The narrative is usual storytelling which you find in a novel. I liked the language and the style of writing.

The Verdict:

American Maharajah is a one-time-read! It will keep you indulged in the story unless it’s over. Once it’s over, it’s over! Mark has tried to offer a little metaphorical touch to Ravi’s journey to India. He has succeeded as well. You will find for yourself that Ravi’s exploration in India is not only the exploration of his mind but also for his soul. He wants to know the cause of his existence and he finds it… You will like the novel and you might like it more if you read it carefully.

Overall Rating – 3.6

You can buy American Maharajah from Amazon below:

American Maharajah on Amazon India – buy now