Member Review
Review by
Sara B, Reviewer
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
Thank you Netgallery UK for the e-book for an unbiased review.
This was a book I'd been seeing a lot about, so does it live up to its hype? Yes I think it does.
I think reading the authors note was why I'm inclined to set this at 5/5 and not lower.
There are a lot of reimagined of myths, legends and stories out there. Some touch on religion or in practices that went on (I'm specifically thinking of Stela Brinzeanu with Set in Stone as it was a recent read) and will always court some kind of controversy as a result.
Kaikeyi isn't someone I knew of before reading the book, but the premise sparked by a conversation on whether she was a true villain in the story of Ramayana was enough to get my interest.
The way this book brings to light patriarchy and misogyny, yet balanced with influence of women, sisterhood, was brilliant.
Seeing Kaikeyi train as a warrior by her twin brother was both inspiring and powerful. Then later as she had to make agonising choices, it felt palpable.
The prose was gorgeous and held my attention throughout. Having major characters listed at the start was extremely useful, so following was far easier, as if I wasn't sure I had a quick reference point to look at.
If like me you enjoy reimagined stories of myths or legends, then this book is for you. It is an incredible debut novel and I hope to see more from Vaishnavi Patel.
5/5 stars 🌟
Thank you Netgallery UK for the e-book for an unbiased review.
This was a book I'd been seeing a lot about, so does it live up to its hype? Yes I think it does.
I think reading the authors note was why I'm inclined to set this at 5/5 and not lower.
There are a lot of reimagined of myths, legends and stories out there. Some touch on religion or in practices that went on (I'm specifically thinking of Stela Brinzeanu with Set in Stone as it was a recent read) and will always court some kind of controversy as a result.
Kaikeyi isn't someone I knew of before reading the book, but the premise sparked by a conversation on whether she was a true villain in the story of Ramayana was enough to get my interest.
The way this book brings to light patriarchy and misogyny, yet balanced with influence of women, sisterhood, was brilliant.
Seeing Kaikeyi train as a warrior by her twin brother was both inspiring and powerful. Then later as she had to make agonising choices, it felt palpable.
The prose was gorgeous and held my attention throughout. Having major characters listed at the start was extremely useful, so following was far easier, as if I wasn't sure I had a quick reference point to look at.
If like me you enjoy reimagined stories of myths or legends, then this book is for you. It is an incredible debut novel and I hope to see more from Vaishnavi Patel.
5/5 stars 🌟
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