A review by ginalucia
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

adventurous emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 It took me way too long to read Kaikeyi!

Note: My opinion and feelings about this book come from my Western perspective. I know very little about ancient Indian epics, so take that into consideration.

Kaikeyi is very reminiscent of the mythology retellings I enjoy so much. It tells a well-known story from an alternative perspective and weaves in elements of feminism.

The language is emotive, focusing on Kaikeyi navigating her power, relationships, and the societal limits of her gender.

If you’re a fan of retellings like Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati or Medea by Rosie Hewlett, this has similar vibes.

The magic we see most in this book is something called the Binding Plane. It was so detailed and vivid that when the story started to slow, this fantasy element kept me hooked. It provided a way to see how relationship dynamics worked and Kaikeyi’s place in them all.

And let's give a nod to that asexual rep because it's not only brilliant, it's subtle yet solid, and blended right into the story with ease. 

The pace was slower, but even for an impatient reader like me, I enjoyed it. It gave me room to appreciate the relationships and the slow build instead.

Kaikeyi was a joy to read. It’s one of those books you don't want to put down and are excited to get back to. 

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