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Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel - 3* - My Review

Feminist retelling of an epic story in Hindu mythology. Kaikeyi is the narrator and protagonist. As the story opens, she is a princess with many brothers. She finds a magical talent at a young age and is able to enter the “binding plane” to view the strength of her bonds with others. She wants to control her own fate but lives in a patriarchal society where women are seen as burdens to their families. She becomes the third wife of Dasharath, the Raja of a neighboring realm. The storyline follows Kaikeyi’s thoughts, feelings, plans, journeys, and relationships with her family members.

This book was a mixed bag for me. I admit to having limited background with the Ramayana and wonder how those familiar with the original material will view it. I found it long and meandering. It is difficult for me to spend so much time in the head of a woman who acts like an adolescent no matter how old she gets. It comes across as a young adult fantasy, which may not have been the intent. This is Patel’s debut novel. I liked it enough to finish it.