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Loading... Kaikeyi: A Novel (edition 2022)by Vaishnavi Patel (Author)
Work InformationKaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
   None No current Talk conversations about this book.  Chrissylou62 | Apr 11, 2024 |   I really enjoyed this. I didn’t know a thing about the Ramayana before this so the entire story was new to me and I enjoyed it as a pure fairytale. I’m excited to find out more about the traditional telling and learn some more about the Hindu gods. (  ) hmonkeyreads | Jan 25, 2024 | It could perhaps have been great, but it lacks depth. It feels a bit young adult, with problems posed and resolved within a few pages without any poignancy. It is not as immersive as I would have liked, both in world building and in characters. And while it did not bother me enough to be truly frustrating, I do think that questionable morals are not always out not sufficiently called out on the part of the main character. She is quick enough to see her son's manipulation as immoral, but her own is apparently no problem. When she selfishly breaks a bond early on, she makes no effort to restore it, and doesn't seem particularly bothered with it. (  ) zjakkelien | Jan 2, 2024 | This story followed the life of a young princess who defies traditional gender roles and fights for her own destiny. Raised in the kingdom of Kekaya, Kaikeyi is constantly reminded of the gods and their powers, but she soon realizes that their blessings are reserved for men. As she grows older, she becomes more determined to prove herself worthy and discover her own magical powers. The writing is rich in detail and vividly brings to life the world of Kekaya and the struggles of its people. I found Kaikeyi to be a strong and compelling protagonist. She is a character that you can root for, admire, and empathize with. One of the main themes of the book is the struggle for women's empowerment and the fight against patriarchal oppression. Kaikeyi's story is a powerful reminder that women have always been capable of great things, even when society tries to hold them back. The book also explores the balance between destiny and free will, and the consequences of defying the gods. Overall I found this one to be a captivating and inspiring read that combines elements of mythology, fantasy, and social commentary. ( ) thisgayreads | Nov 4, 2023 | 4 stars, I really enjoyed this but it wasn't totally un-put-downable though I was excited to read it at the end of the day. This is a historical fiction/retelling of a part of history I know nothing about. I do wish I knew more about it now so I could have made connections as I went but my lack of knowledge in no way hindered my enjoyment of, or understanding of, what was going on in the book. There is really strong narration, which I love, and so you really get an idea of why everything is done and the thoughts and emotions behind it. ( ) Fatula | Sep 25, 2023 | no reviews | add a review
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""I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions-much good it did me." So begins Kaikeyi's tale. The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, she is raised on grand stories about the might and benevolence of the gods: how they churned vast oceans to obtain the nectar of immortality, how they offer the devoted and the wise magnificent boons, how they vanquish evil and ensure the land prospers. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, her own worth measured by how great a marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear. Desperate for some measure of independence, she turns to the ancient texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. She uses it to transform herself from overlooked princess into warrior, diplomat, and most-favored queen, determined to forge a better world for herself than the one that gods and men have granted. But as the demons of stories Kaikeyi grew up hearing threaten the cosmic order, her will clashes with the path that the gods have chosen for her family-and especially that of her beloved son, Rama. And she must decide if her resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak...and what legacy she intends to leave behind"-- No library descriptions found. |
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.6Literature English (North America) American fiction 21st CenturyLC ClassificationRatingAverage: (4.1)
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Wikipedia in English
5
I loved this debut novel by Vaishnavi Patel. It's my favorite so far this year!! It is a retelling of the Ramayana from a woman's perspective. Kaikeyi, the independent warrior radnyi banishes her stepson, Rama into the forest. This ultimately helps him achieve his destiny- to rid the world of evil. In the meantime, Kaikeyi is forever labeled "the jealous stepmother". But what if this banishment was done out of love? This is Kaikeyi's story. Some of the important themes are the perspective of history, that is: women's place in history and society, and how that change can cause a backlash from more conservative minds, as well as motherhood, responsibility, agency, and fate.
"Those who are good always wonder if there was a better way, a way that could have helped more and hurt less." Kaikeyi p. 409
It also inspired me to learn more about the great Hindu epic, The Ramayana, as well as the traditions, food, and honorifics mentioned in the book. That is what makes a novel great- it teaches through imagination. This did just that. In addition, it was a magical, well-written book.
Ms. Patel is a law student and first-time novelist. I hope she plans to write more books! (