Book Review of The Kosambi Intrigue

the kosambi intrigue by Susan Carol Stone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Kosambi Intrigue is a rare historical fiction set during the lifetime of the Blessed One Gotama Buddha about 2500 years ago in India. The novel is set during the early period of the Blessed One's 55 year teaching career and uses the development of certain monastic rules and the writing of an early collection of discourses as plot devices. The book is easy to read and not technical. No prior knowledge of Buddhism or ancient India is required.

Some of the elaborations of the Blessed One's intentions and thoughts did not accord with my understanding. I recognise that the author may have used this technique to help some readers relate to the fictionalised character who may otherwise seem god-like or super-human.

This book may suit teens/young adult readers. It may also suit readers who are developing an interest in Buddhism who have found the early discourses solemn or obscure. This fictional account may help such readers develop a lively mental context for their Dharma studies.

I recommend that readers who enjoyed this book may like to try: Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy. This book contains short biographies of 24 disciples. A more difficult and yet rewarding book to read is The Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Canon.

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