Vaishnavi Patel

"Before this story was Rama's, it was mine."
I loved this debut novel by Vaishnavi Patel. It's my favorite so far this year!! It is a retelling of the Ramayana from a woman's perspective. Kaikeyi, the independent warrior radnyi banishes her stepson, Rama into the forest. This ultimately helps him achieve his destiny- to rid the world of evil. In the meantime, Kaikeyi is forever labeled "the jealous stepmother". But what if this banishment was done out of love? This is Kaikeyi's story. Some of the important themes are the perspective of history, that is: women's place in history and society, and how that change can cause a backlash from more conservative minds, as well as motherhood, responsibility, agency, and fate.

"Those who are good always wonder if there was a better way, a way that could have helped more and hurt less." Kaikeyi p. 409
It also inspired me to learn more about the great Hindu epic, The Ramayana, as well as the traditions, food, and honorifics mentioned in the book. That is what makes a novel great- it teaches through imagination. This did just that. In addition, it was a magical, well-written book.
Ms. Patel is a law student and first-time novelist. I hope she plans to write more books!… (mais)

I liked this book, it's based on a mythical story I'm not familiar with, so it feels a bit like a fairy tale. The story is nice, the main character has the lofty ideal of wanting to help women become more equal, and it's an easy read.
It could perhaps have been great, but it lacks depth. It feels a bit young adult, with problems posed and resolved within a few pages without any poignancy. It is not as immersive as I would have liked, both in world building and in characters. And while it did not bother me enough to be truly frustrating, I do think that questionable morals are not always out not sufficiently called out on the part of the main character. She is quick enough to see her son's manipulation as immoral, but her own is apparently no problem. When she selfishly breaks a bond early on, she makes no effort to restore it, and doesn't seem particularly bothered with it.… (mais)

"Kaikeyi" by Vaishnavi Patel

This story followed the life of a young princess who defies traditional gender roles and fights for her own destiny. Raised in the kingdom of Kekaya, Kaikeyi is constantly reminded of the gods and their powers, but she soon realizes that their blessings are reserved for men. As she grows older, she becomes more determined to prove herself worthy and discover her own magical powers.

The writing is rich in detail and vividly brings to life the world of Kekaya and the struggles of its people. I found Kaikeyi to be a strong and compelling protagonist. She is a character that you can root for, admire, and empathize with.

One of the main themes of the book is the struggle for women's empowerment and the fight against patriarchal oppression. Kaikeyi's story is a powerful reminder that women have always been capable of great things, even when society tries to hold them back. The book also explores the balance between destiny and free will, and the consequences of defying the gods.

Overall I found this one to be a captivating and inspiring read that combines elements of mythology, fantasy, and social commentary.… (mais)