Easily understandable, but heavy read. This is a book that will make you think. The Bhagavad Gita is a must read for those who are searching. I appreciated how it wasn't dumbed down in order for people to understand it.

I was expecting a boring translation of this ancient text but was pleasantly surprised.
The author states that he wants this book to be easy to read and understood, and indeed it is. I did not need to make my mind go in circles just to understand the deep spiritual knowledge within.
The author also includes a summary of the background story, which is definitely helpful to those who are intimidated by the thick tome. In addition, it includes some summary of the spiritual knowledge outside of the original story, even drawing some reference to Christian prayers, which I appreciate.
I also love how the author speaks of his thoughts while doing the translations, and it makes the book feels so close to home.

This is meant to be an introduction to the Bhagavad-Gita. I have always wanted to read it and this provides a great jumping off point for a beginner.

Viljoen has given us a truly lovely rendition of this text. He has written THE BHAGAVAD GITA is such a relatable way that I just wanted to keeping reading more and more with each passing chapter. I did force myself to slow down to really absorb what I was reading but this is definitely a book I am buying for the ministers at my church and other friends with an interest in spirituality.

I have read many versions of the Bhagavad Gita and I really liked the way this version was laid out and the cast of characters were introduced up front. It is written in plain english and very easy to follow and understand the main points of this great work. Well done.

This really a great introduction to the actual Bhagavad Gita. Viljoen discussed the different parts of the book and what each part relates to. It's a quick and dirty explanation as to who's who and what's what for anyone who is totally unfamiliar with the sacred book of the Hindus.

Edward Viljoen has done a great job with this volume. He makes the Gita easily digestible; read it as a stand-alone or as a stepping stone to deeper versions, he even recommends various others you might like to try. His follow-up chapters on language, the Hindu religion and other aspects related to the Bhagavad-Gita are really excellent and concisely written. Ancient Indian philosophy feeds into virtually every other philosophy which Westerners are familiar with (either wittingly or otherwise) If you don't realise that, Edward's book would be a great place to start the adventure - and there are few bigger adventures than those of the Hindu literary canon.

Reward Viljoen did a wonderful job of writing ,in a simplistic way to help intro people into the Bhagavad Gita.

This is a brilliant introduction that would enable teachers to give a basic insight into the sacred text.
It’s written clearly and gives some context to the scriptures for Hindus.

This is an excellent short intro to this ancient, potentially challenging text (for Westerners). The author clearly states that it is not meant to sub for the many translations, and that you should read one of them after completing this intro and summary. You won't find a better intro than this, which provides context, excellent translation of words and phrases that provide value, character summaries, and nicely focused chapters. Highly recommended, especially if you've never read the Gita or tried and struggled, or even to review and maybe pick-up some new perspectives on it.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

I do not feel that it is right to review a religious text, therefore, I will simply state that this edition was done very well.