The Ramayana

condensed and retold in prose form by R.K. Narayan
1973

The story of Rama who battles the demon Ravana to rescue his abducted wife.  This version is based on the popular 11th century Tamil version by Kamban and not the 4th century Sanskrit original by Valmiki.  Although it of course lacks much, being hugely cut from the myth- and parable-rich epic style, I enjoyed it a lot.  It is told in a readable, page-turning novelist's style.

four stars