A review by robinlovesrain
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

What a beautiful book! I have always loved retellings (even when I don't know the original story very well) and this one was gripping and immersive and impossible to put down. I loved every character (even the hateable ones – give me all the complex, three-dimensional antagonists!) but I especially loved our titular character Kaiykeyi (and I love that she is queer!! Aroace rep!! It will never stop feeling magical to see my experiences as an ace person reflected in media. I feel buoyant every single time.) 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Infertility, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism

Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury

Minor: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Alcohol