I wrote this book for the Hindus who question their place in this religion because of patriarchy or fundamentalism, and for myself, because I love my religion and want to see it become better. My Hinduism is one that can be critiqued, put through the wringer and come out stronger for it. I do not believe it to be above criticism, and I’ve written more about that here if you're interested. I know that some people will read this book and be curious about my relationship to Hinduism or yes, even be angry about my portrayal of Hindu figures. I’m so grateful I can share this brave, determined, and ultimately flawed character with you. Kaikeyi began many years ago, as I listened to my Aai and Ajji disagree about the character of Kaikeyi in the Ramayana.
I believe Goodreads should stay a platform for readers, so I'll be continuing my policy of avoiding this page after posting this. I was encouraged by some readers to share a bit of information about Kaikeyi here that readers may be curious about. "Patel's mesmerizing debut shines a brilliant light on the vilified queen from the Ramayana" The unforgettable tale of a woman determined to leave her mark in a world gods and men dictate the shape of things to come. And Kaikeyi must decide if resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak-and what legacy she intends to leave behind. With it, Kaikeyi transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat, and most favored queen.īut as the evil from her childhood stories threatens the cosmic order, the path she has forged clashes with the destiny the gods have chosen for her family. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear.ĭesperate for independence, she turns to the texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, listens as her own worth is reduced to the marriage alliance she can secure. The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, she is raised on tales about the might and benevolence of the gods: how they churned the vast ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, how they vanquish evil and ensure the land of Bharat prospers, and how they offer powerful boons to the worthy. “I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions-much good it did me.”
0 kommentar(er)
