Reviews

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

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I know very little of the Ramayana, and even less about its depiction of Kaikeyi. I understand that the author took some creative liberties in writing this story, told from Kaikeyi’s POV, in the first-person. If you’re looking for a story of a mother’s love, of a woman’s search for her purpose, of women empowering women, of women battling the patriarchy, of a heroine’s fall from greatness…then this is it.

so_darling's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

spaces_and_solaces's review

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5.0

In the vast realm of the eternal battle between good and evil, my thoughts drift back to the timeless tale of Ram and Ravana. The epic saga of Ramayana has been a subject of scholarly examination for countless generations, weaving its way into the tapestry of every Indian family. It has become deeply personal, an indelible part of our collective consciousness.
Thus, it was captivating to encounter a rendition of this fabled narrative from the perspective of Kaikeyi, a woman who has endured centuries of vilification, her name forever entwined with notions of greed and manipulation.
A disclaimer before you read any further – this book may inadvertently ruffle the feathers of religious sentiments, if you cannot take this story for what it is – just a story.
A fictional retelling of sorts, this book explores the depths of Kaikeyi’s persona. The Kaikeyi of this book comes from a dysfunctional home. With feelings of abandonment heavy in her steps, Kaikeyi treads through the world, unanchored. Her mother left Kaikeyi & her 7 brothers when they were quite young, leaving her to fend for herself in an era full of male chauvinism and religious fanatics. Growing up with feelings of Godforsaken, Kaikeyi through her unyielding spirit manages to make her place as the top advisor to King Dashrath.
Within the pages of this book, Kaikeyi possesses a unique gift—a power to sense and manipulate the bonds that shape her world. Witnessing the distorted order in which men bask in unwarranted privilege, she adopts a life's mission: to rectify this imbalance and champion the cause of women's empowerment. To some, her crusade stands in stark contrast to the divine will and runs counter to religious scriptures.
As opposition coalesces against Kaikeyi, spearheaded by her beloved son Rama, she remains resolute in her quest to dismantle the blind reverence bestowed upon religious edicts that enforce the supremacy of men's desires. Amidst the intricate tapestry of subplots, we encounter the nuanced dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, the unyielding bond of friendship between Kaikeyi and King Dashrath, and the unwavering trust shared among Kaikeyi, Kaushalya, and Sumitra. Moreover, the book tenderly explores Kaikeyi's profound love for all four princes, adding layers of grace and entertainment through its incisive prose.

meaganmd's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

3.75

vtrumpredd's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

megn317's review

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4.0

Strong story and characters. It was easy to follow and kept my interest. Not a story I would usually read or like, but bc of the writing style it was easy to understand.