Queen of Ice

by Devika Rangachari

Didda, princess of Lohara, is beautiful, intelligent—and lame.

Despised by her father and bullied by his heir, Didda's childhood is miserable and her future, bleak.

When she is married off to the dissolute ruler of Kashmira, she must learn to hold her own in a court ridden with factions and conspiracies. But Didda is no ordinary queen. Ruthless and ambitious, she wants to rewrite history. Will she succeed?

Queen of Ice is a compulsive read that brings alive the turbulent history of tenth-century Kashmir with an exquisite balance of fact and fiction. This is award-winning author Devika Rangachari's finest novel yet.

Genres: Historical Fiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2014

Reviews

[Payal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I doubt there's a contemporary author who does historical fiction as well as Devika Rangachari. A fictionalised account, albeit based on facts, of the ambitious and ruthless Queen Didda from tenth-century Kashmir, the story is narrated by Queen Didda herself and her close companion Valga. I found Valga's narration an effective foil to Didda's. I felt that the story moved too fast and would have liked a longer book, but otherwise it was a gripping read. One of those books that you finish in one sitting.

[Swati Daftuar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete review of this book appears on my website, The Booklegger =)
Full Review Here

I finished Queen of Ice sometime mid-afternoon today, and since then, I've been sort of turning it around in my head, testing suitable phrases and descriptions which fit best. It's that kind of a book, really. It defies slotting.
For one thing, it doesn't really qualify as YA, unless you want to take things literally.

I say this because when it begins, it is about a young adult-- a 10th Century A.D. teenage princess almost completely unknown today. A Google search throws up little. You find a pretty unsatisfactory Wiki page which tells you the basic stuff about her rule in Kashmir, and a bunch of images of the coins she issued (it turns out that you can actually buy two of these coins, which is awesome. But quite funnily, the seller doesn't ship to India).

Didda, (a name I absolutely loved and one that fit her perfectly), is a casual line or paragraph in most history books, virtually unknown. And yet, here she is, with an entire novel written on her and it still doesn't feel like enough. Her life, even without the embellishments fiction might bring, is fascinating, eventful, exciting. There is so much to Didda-- her lameness, her father's contempt, her fierce love for her friends, her frightening single-mindedness, her touching vulnerability, and ultimately, her defiance...

[Rachita Joshi - The queen of books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

It was a retelling of the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The book was written from the point of view of three people- Queen Didda, her friend Naravahana and Valga. It was very well written in such a way that the history was no longer boring. Queen Didda is extremely ambitious and brave, Valga has always been by her side.
Do try this!!!

[Sankalpita (bookGeeks India) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen of Ice is a book based on the real story of a 10th century Kashmiri Queen. She finds mention in the famous “Rajatarangini” written by Kalhana. “Didda” as she was known to one and all was born into the ancient kingdom of Lohara as daughter to the King Simharaja.

Read the full review here - http://www.bookgeeks.in/entries/histo...

[Mehul Dhikonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction for kids done right. Queen of Ice tells a realistically fictionalized tale of Queen Didda, a 10th-century Kashmiri ruler, who was as ambitious and unremorseful as other rulers of the time. The reader may find themself asking did following her destiny transform Didda or was she the same all along.

The facts behind fiction have been derived from Rajatarangini written by Kalhana, an 11th century Kashmiri historian. Historian Devika Rangachari has done commendable work in bringing Indian medieval queens to the fore of literature whose histories were otherwise neglected or distorted by modern historians. Would pass it on to all my nieces and nephews.

[Risha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

Actually this book is good for kids . This book is basically based on a Kashmir Ruler .

[Anusha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating-3.5/5
Who doesn't want to read about a Badass queen who slays(literally,she slays all her enemies) and succeeds in such a patriarchal world? This got me through my reading slump,and even though it was for kids,I really enjoyed it!

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictionalized account of the life of the 10th century Kashmiri queen Didda. Devika Rangachari uses a two-narrator technique to tell Didda's story: one is Didda herself, and the other is Valga, a woman who carries the lame Didda around and is more a friend and confidant than just a porter. Through the alternating voices of Didda and Valga, we read the story of how the lame Didda, unwanted daughter of the King of Lohara, was married to Kshemagupta, the King of Kashmir, and how, over a period of fifty-odd years, first as regent and then as ruler in her own right, Didda became a powerful, much-respected queen.

I loved the way Rangachari manages to stay true to the character of her heroine. Didda may be a heroine, but she is a flawed heroine, capable of being swayed by poisonous words. She makes horrendous mistakes, she even deliberately does some truly reprehensible deeds. Despite that, she comes across as a fascinating character: very flesh-and-blood, ambitious and power-seeking, yet also genuinely interested in the welfare of her people, and not without a conscience.

The historical note at the end of the book is very interesting too: Rangachari explains her source (Rajtarangini) and how her depiction of Didda is based on that. Not just Didda, but other characters too, like Valga, Naravahana, Kshemagupta, etc: it was interesting to see how Rangachari uses historical fact to write fiction, to build (at times) a character out of what was just a fleeting mention in an ancient chronicle.

[♥Art&Books♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a schoolgirl and a book lover. I borrowed this book from my school library because I loved the art and the title intrigued me. It is based on one of the strongest female rulers of Kashmir, Queen Didda. It is amazingly written and shows the troubles and pains of all queens in the older days. Though this whole book was amazing and nerve-racking. I admit that it was a bit too fast-paced. We can't grasp Didda's age over the chapters, for suddenly she is a young preteen who hates the fact she is crippled, and the next thing we know she is married off. Of course, back in those days, this was quite true. But something that shocked me was that there were too many people dying, too quickly. When Didda's best friend dies, and that too indirectly by her fault, she gets over it way too quickly. Her parents were killed by her cousin. Only about a page is dedicated to that! Of course, all this shows her strength of character, but it seemed a bit sad to me. Maybe that's simply because I dislike reading about sad things that happen all together, all at once. That's just my opinion, and overall I liked the book. I had solely chosen it because of the cover art and its name but it did not disappoint. Cheerio!

[Mariyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my very first historical fiction novels. A friend gifted it to me as a going away present when I was 9 and moving cities, it has remained with me ever since.

The story of Queen Didda is a beautiful and heart wrenching one. This simply told tale of the powerful, iron-willed queen through her struggles in a cutthroat court is truly inspiring. The relationships she forms, the decisions she made, both good and terrible keep you hooked. In personality the Queen was portrayed not as some distant goddess, but as inevitably human. She struggles with jealousy, shame and anger. She is arrogant and easy to dislike at times. However this only serves to show the reader what it took in those times to survive, especially as a cripple and a woman in those times. Most the characters in this book are well rounded and strongly built.

I strongly recommend this book, especially for younger readers.

[Rama Ramaswamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devika Rangachari - stellar job of bringing to our notice a heroine from ancient India and writing a book on her life- fictional account maybe, but based on facts. I had never heard of this ruler; a Wikipedia search shows very less information, which I feel has been updated by someone after reading this book ;-) It's a very well written book, which I wouldn't necessarily categorise as YA, I will encourage my 8 year old to read it. It's an inspiring account of a lame princess who, shunned by everyone, believed in her destiny which promised her a name in history. It has lessons of loyalty, friendship, morals, tragedy, ruthlessness, courage and the importance of belief in oneself.

I hope Devika has written more such books, I will be looking out for more.

[Archana Purohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

Found it especially interesting because of the context.. we hardly know anything about these characters in the medieval India. And this is a well-written book which keeps you thoroughly engrossed with unexpected happenings. Loved the way in which Didda's character has been shown with shades of grey.. What I felt lacking was Didda's perspective on the unsavoury events, the reasons according to her behind her decisions.. and also I felt her greatness in holding together the kingdom does not come through in the writing.. May be the threats and her strategies could have been elaborated more.. but overall an unexpectedly good read..

[Fahiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read. It is the gift for me. I am not having any interest to read this. But, in this pandemic situation. We need to sit in house and to do anything. So, I started to read it. It's going interesting. It is about the princess of lohara, queen of kashmir , DIDDA. It's very easy for me read. It is historical fiction and usually wandering somewhere in the past. It's amazing for me and make me feel like to read more books. It have that exquistic history of fact and fiction. It is quite simple novel. May be the book is about queen of ice, DIDDA but I think queen of this book is "DEVIKA RANGACHARI".

[Arefa Tehsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the word go! 'Queen of Ice' lived up to its promise of being a fascinating read. The author and historian Devika has transformed history and its facts into a delectable story. Queen Didda and her story is the one of a rare, daring female leader at a time when it was unthinkable. Unlike Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt, a dauntless pharaoh who ruled against the massive odds of her being a woman, Didda is much lesser known.

The character has been portrayed not just in her glory but with her flaws and ruthlessness. A must read for all history buffs, young adults, adults, kids or just about anyone that enjoys a good read.

I think Queen Didda, wherever she is, would be thanking Devika to have written this book and brought her back to life. Two thumbs up to the book!

[Thenappan Thenappan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 *
Heard about Queen (Women Rulers) Series - Was so excited to start this, but felt really down after halfway through it!

It had so much potential with the plot, but the whole characterization went a flat in the second half. I am not sure which made me feel unattached to this book, is it the portrayal of Queen Didda character? or the actual character of Queen Didda (wariness / insecurity). As of my review, she was not shown strong enough to be a great queen of Kashmira!!

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and very well researched. Engrossing - kept me reading non-stop. It is a skill to convey so much about power and greed and its nuances in language that was not complicated and to keep it accessible to this age group. I am hoping that the students who read this would be piqued to find out more.

[Shraddha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a good read, albeit a slightly bleak one, probably owing to the life and times of the protagonist. It definitely bring alive a piece of history through really interesting narrators. I enjoyed reading it

[Blissful Panguin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS
really great book! truly mesmerizing. we need more books like this.

only complaint is: it went by too fast. there were so many time skips throughout the book that it felt quite dry and weird.

[Deepa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written tale, although simplistic. Aimed at young readers, was enjoyable, especially knowing its a real life story, written by a phd holder on the subject. Highly recommend for history buffs.

[Varsha Seshan · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.varshaseshan.com/queen-of...

[Shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful tale of a 10th century Kashmiri Queen, and her struggles to rule in a male dominated world. Nothing like a historical fiction novel to cuddle up in bed with, this gloomy Sunday.

[Pranab Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's one of those novels which you finish and you find yourself wondering what the end worth her/his struggle.

It leaves you dazzled but hopefully optimistic at the same time.

[Pankaj Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read with women condition at 10th century Kashmir, as the core subject. It is worth your time.

[Padma Baliga · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the whole, a very well written book. Didda is a memorable character, and surprisingly, so is Valga, her maid

[Catherine Meyer]

Read this for work thinking I’d like to teach it to middle school at Muslim school . Good book. Would be good to teach.

[Aayushi Kumari]

I want to read

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of the ruler of Kashmir, of 10th Century. Didda's story helps in understanding women rulers and who are not widely known.

[Santhosh Puvaneswaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book with good English grammar and the story is also good and interesting to read.

[Angelina Tamang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Christ! We had this book for school and I don't think I can ever forget Devika Rangachari's brilliance in writing about my favorite medieval queen. A book so simple yet so descriptive.

[Fenny Vadera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and still reread it today! I loved her writing and how she represented queen didda who is very underrepresented in history but is an iconic figure.