Book Review: The Sleepless Beauty by Rajesh Talwar

The Sleepless Beauty by Rajesh Talwar is a short story inspired by “The Sleeping Beauty” fairy tale. Set in India, this short read takes the readers to a mountainous kingdom of Bangra whose sole Princess Ramya is afflicted with sleeplessness. She hasn’t been unable to sleep since years and despite every effort made by her father, her sleep is still missing. To help cure her sleeplessness and also find a suitable match for her, the King announces a contest where anyone who helps restore her sleep will win her hand in marriage.

I love reading fairy tales and books inspired by fairy tales. This one attracted me with the alluring title and captivating cover. A story that easily had me engaged, the narration is fluid and simply done. The language is such that even children can read it. I loved traveling to Bangra and meeting the characters. The many Princes who come with conventional and unconventional ways to cure the Princess’ sleeplessness had me smiling.

Princess Ramya is a beauty both inside and out. She is strong, wise and dutiful. Her love for her kingdom as well as her father is an inspiration to young readers.

Raja Bhoj’s love for his daughter and his relentless efforts to restore his beloved daughter’s sleep are endearing. He is symbolic of a true King and a perfect father who loves his subjects and is devoted to his daughter.

However, despite my enjoyment, there are a few points that I think could be improved on to make this book even more appealing. First is the discrepancy in the fourth Prince’s home kingdom. At one place it is Hastinapur and at another it is Prayag. Secondly, I was left thinking how the King sought to keep the Princess in Bangra after her marriage. He sought Princes from other kingdoms so wasn’t it the norm that after marriage she would leave Bangra? Thirdly, I feel the book needs editing. There are a few places where the sentences didn’t make sense. Fourthly, I feel this book should come with illustrations to make the fairy tale more appealing to young readers for whom it is clearly intended and also be made available as a paperback for readers who don’t read e-books.

All in all, a quick read that makes for an entertaining story to tell to your kids as well as a book that will be loved by children, I enjoyed reading The Sleepless Beauty by Rajesh Talwar. A simple yet endearing story advocating the power of a true love’s kiss, I give it 3 out of 5 stars and Njkinny recommends it to all lovers of fairy tales, both young and adult.