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sugar_popppp's Reviews (170)
I was expecting more from this book. The protagonist is bit boring.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"It’s the kind of book that should be read slowly because the last 150–170 pages hold real magic."
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh, sometimes I was so tired, so tired. But it was tremendous fun all the same, sitting there working and earning money like that. Almost like being a man.
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray is a deeply powerful and emotionally rich retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective. What sets this novel apart is not just its poetic language or devotion to the epic’s cultural depth, but the way it brings to life Draupadi as a woman of extraordinary maturity, intellect, and strength.
Ray’s Draupadi is not a passive figure caught in destiny — she is thoughtful, assertive, and unafraid to question the moral contradictions of her time. Her internal dilemmas, sacrifices, and unwavering dignity in the face of humiliation make her an unforgettable and inspiring character. Despite being rooted in mythology, Yajnaseni feels timeless in its portrayal of womanhood, injustice, and resilience.
Though it shares its premise and characters with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions, Ray’s Yajnaseni stands out for its spiritual depth and complexity. Where Banerjee’s Draupadi is relatable and emotional, Ray’s is more nuanced, critical, and undeniably powerful — a true embodiment of devotion and self-awareness.
Originally published in Odia language, it is translated by PRADIP BHATTACHARYA, Sadly, Yajnaseni remains an underrated masterpiece. It deserves far more recognition for being one of the finest retellings in Indian Mythology— both as a literary work and as a feminist voice rooted in tradition.
Ray’s Draupadi is not a passive figure caught in destiny — she is thoughtful, assertive, and unafraid to question the moral contradictions of her time. Her internal dilemmas, sacrifices, and unwavering dignity in the face of humiliation make her an unforgettable and inspiring character. Despite being rooted in mythology, Yajnaseni feels timeless in its portrayal of womanhood, injustice, and resilience.
Though it shares its premise and characters with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Palace of Illusions, Ray’s Yajnaseni stands out for its spiritual depth and complexity. Where Banerjee’s Draupadi is relatable and emotional, Ray’s is more nuanced, critical, and undeniably powerful — a true embodiment of devotion and self-awareness.
Originally published in Odia language, it is translated by PRADIP BHATTACHARYA, Sadly, Yajnaseni remains an underrated masterpiece. It deserves far more recognition for being one of the finest retellings in Indian Mythology— both as a literary work and as a feminist voice rooted in tradition.
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
slow-paced