Page 99 - EW-January-2026

Books

Timeless DIVINE JUSTICE & A TALE OF TWO stories remain strikingly
relevant. ‘Divine Justice’
classics retold OXEN: CLASSIC INDIAN STORIES condemns dishonesty
Munshi Premchand
and the misuse of power,
WESTLAND BOOKS while ‘A Tale of Two Oxen’
UNSHI Prem- Rs.299 reminds us to practise
chand is one Pages 72 empathy toward animals
Mof India’s most and the priceless value of
beloved storytellers, true friendship.
with his works woven This adaptation, in
deeply into the nation’s clear and simple English,
cultural memory. From after receiving threaten- Two stories of one of captures the warmth and
early school readers to ing letters that throw him India's most beloved wisdom of Premchand’s
cinematic adaptations, into paranoia. Premchand storytellers presented prose while presenting
his tales have reached paints a sharp portrait in the form of a it in a fresh, visually
generations of audiences. of greed and corruption, graphic novel with appealing format. By
Now, Divine Justice and A showing how fear over- vibrant illustrations doing so, it builds a perfect
Tale of Two Oxen: Classic takes those who misuse and flowing language, bridge for young readers
Indian Stories, published wealth and power. With making them and those new to Indian
by Westland Books in col- suspense and irony, the engaging for children literature.
laboration with Pratilipi tale builds toward its aged ten and above With its lively art, clear
Comics, brings two of his finale, where justice ar- language, and enduring
timeless classics to readers rives in an unexpected yet themes of justice, loyalty,
in a fresh, exciting way fitting way. ‘Divine Justice’, dark tones and compassion, ‘Divine
— the form of a graphic The second story, ‘A and sharp lines underline Justice’ and ‘A Tale of
novel. Tale of Two Oxen’, fol- the tension at the heart Two Oxen’ are much more
Though the earlier com- lows Hira and Moti, two of the story, while ‘A Tale than an introduction to
ic adaptations of Prem- loyal oxen whose unbreak- of Two Oxen’ uses warm, Premchand. The tales are
chand’s works went largely able friendship persists earthy colours to capture an invitation to experience
unnoticed, this new 2025 through hardship. When the spirit of rural India the richness of Indian
edition reimagines ‘Khudai cruel circumstances and the emotions of its storytelling in a way that
Faujdaar’ (Divine Justice) separate them from the animal heroes. The art feels simultaneously
and ‘Do Bailon Ki Katha’ comfort of home, they en- blends energy of modern timeless and modern.
(A Tale of Two Oxen) with dure mistreatment under a comic design with the Whether discovering
vibrant illustrations and harsh master but continue cultural richness of tradi- Premchand for the first
flowing language, mak- to embody resilience and tional Indian landscapes time or re-reading him
ing them engaging and solidarity. Beyond animal and village life, offering again through this new
approachable for contem- characters, the story pow- readers emotional depth lens, readers will find this
porary readers, especially erfully projects the virtues and cultural context. graphic novel a rewarding
children aged ten and of loyalty, compassion, Premchand had a gift journey into this great
above. and the strength found in for writing stories that narrator’s stories that
In ‘Divine Justice’, we unity. explored social realities, never lose their power to
meet Seth Nanakchand, One of the most striking morality, and human inspire.
a wealthy but dishonest features of this graphic values. Although written NAVNIT NIRAV (The
man whose life unravels novel is its artwork. In nearly a century ago, these Book Review)

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