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A review by surabhichatrapathy
The Queen of Jasmine Country by Sharanya Manivannan
4.0
Andal was a mystic poet of the 9th century, hailing from Southern India. A poet belonging to the bhakti movement she was then elevated to the position of a goddess.
Unlike many other Bhakti poets who sought oneness with their God in spirit, she also sought a physical oneness. Andal wrote of liberation and oneness with God as a 13 year old girl.
Her poetry translated and interpreted over centuries are not only revered but also deeply controversial.
The Queen of Jasmine Country is a novel inspired by Andal's life.
Highly poetic prose weaved together with a vivid description of the Tamilagam landscape.
It was an immersive experience, imagining Kodhai (the young poet) unearthing her devotion for Vishnu and growing deeper deeper into her own world of poetry and prayer.
The novel also highlights the limitations and the freedoms of growing up when she did, painting an interesting socio-political background.
Kodhai' garden of worship from where she and her father pick flowers every morning is a garden I would love to have. The image of it is stuck in my mind along with its aroma of devotion and love.
The poetic-prose is heavy, but owing to the life she has attempted to describe or fathom I suppose it is justified
Unlike many other Bhakti poets who sought oneness with their God in spirit, she also sought a physical oneness. Andal wrote of liberation and oneness with God as a 13 year old girl.
Her poetry translated and interpreted over centuries are not only revered but also deeply controversial.
The Queen of Jasmine Country is a novel inspired by Andal's life.
Highly poetic prose weaved together with a vivid description of the Tamilagam landscape.
It was an immersive experience, imagining Kodhai (the young poet) unearthing her devotion for Vishnu and growing deeper deeper into her own world of poetry and prayer.
The novel also highlights the limitations and the freedoms of growing up when she did, painting an interesting socio-political background.
Kodhai' garden of worship from where she and her father pick flowers every morning is a garden I would love to have. The image of it is stuck in my mind along with its aroma of devotion and love.
The poetic-prose is heavy, but owing to the life she has attempted to describe or fathom I suppose it is justified