Jaya - an illustrated retelling of Mahabharata

I read in a trust worthy source that Mahabharata has more versions than Ramayana. Mahabharata, as weaved by the greatest author of all times - Veda Vyasa, is such a grand theme of numerous smaller grand themes. It is a wonder to find writers of today attempting their retelling of this masterpiece. The uniqueness of this book, though, are the illustrations. Illustrations do not refer to cartoon sketches depicting events, but author's analysis and description of what a certain dialogue or incident tells about life in that time period, people, their morals, values and culture. These illustrations are provided as footnote at the bottom of each page wherever they are required. 

My ideas about Hinduism, its two biggest epics and its practice has changed over time with constant enquiry, reference and understanding.  Wouldn't like to elaborate it here. BUT.....

I read the book more than a year ago. "Mahabharata is a story of all illegitimate sons", said a close friend. Couldn't agree any better. The first few chapters of the book are porn, needs PG-13 rating! The other chapters are the Kaurava-Pandava events leading to war. Some of the illustrations are interesting, some nice-to-know. Just pure fiction. Worthy or not, I will not advise this book to anybody.