kaikeyi: a fierce and bold retelling
- paigenherbooks
- Apr 11, 2022
- 4 min read
5/5
Kaikeyi by Vanishnavi Patel is a story that deserves every five out of five star rating that I know it has and will continue to get. This story was so unique and so amazingly written! Our story follows Kaikeyi, a young, fierce young woman from Indian culture myth and her life. She battles through relationships, power, the gods, loss, and betrayal as well as figuring out her own story. Patel knows for sure how to draw a reader in and keep them in. I could not put this book down and I am so happy I didn't!
Synopsis: The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, she is raised on the tales of the gods. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, listens as her own worth is reduced to the marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear. Desperate for independence, she turns to the texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. She transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat, and most favored queen. But as 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. Kaikeyi must decide if resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak and what legacy she intends to leave behind.
This book was FANTASTIC! I am so in love with it! I picked it with out a lot of expectations, I just know that Book of the Month told me it was a retelling and I was like, "I'm in!". I was so happy that I went out on that limb! This is an Indian retelling, and I fell in love! I've only ever read Greek retellings-which are my literal favorite! I did some research after I finished the book to read the original story and wow is it different BUT it just show cases how amazing Patel did with creating this unique story out of something from her culture!
Kaikeyi, our main character, is amazing! I loved her! She was very relatable for me to be quite honest! She was a big reader, always trying to keep up with the boys, and had a stubbornness and grace about her that was unmatched. Her character was one that was aware of the issues within her communities and did everything in her power to help others, especially women. I loved this aspect of the book. It was purely feminist but in a way that wasn't cringe or overdone. The story didn't feel static or that any of it was insincere. I was rooting for Kaikeyi and the fellow women of the book the whole time. I wanted them to be able to have their women's counsel, and be able to work the market themselves. When she was appointed to a position of power, and the countries view points started to change I was ecstatic! It was so wholesome and a great feeling. Kaikeyi truly wanted to be the best wife, sister, mother, and friend that she could be and it is so evident throughout the story!
The plot itself was also a very strong point for the story. I was engaged the entire time and had no idea where it would go next. You grow close to the characters and the daily flow of Kaikeyi's life and what she spends her time doing. I loved that the story was all about her and her trials throughout the story. Combatting stereotypes, opinions, a structure that doesn't want to see her win and oh yeah...the gods! Which leads me into the whole myth re-telling thing. I also loved that! I felt like I was learning so much while this story as well. It has opened my eyes to a whole new shelf on my proverbial book case that I didn't even realize was there! Learning about this story through the eyes of Kaikeyi was amazing. I did read the original and there are some key differences as there is with every retelling but this story moved me. In the best way. It was truly women supporting women in a way that, again, didn't feel forced or just weird. Kaikeyi wanted to help the women because she knew they could be a great part of their society at the time. Seeing her actually help these women was amazing. It fit her character so well and I just loved it. She always stood up for what she believed in no matter what-even if in the stories it makes her a wicked woman.
The whole plot as well with her sons was something I never saw coming. SPOILERS AHEAD: Rama being a god....WHAT??? That was so interesting to watch his character progression as he struggled with being divine but also a child at the same time. The family relationship within the story was moving as well. It reminded me a lot of my own family dynamics and just how thankful I am to have my parents and my three younger brothers, even when things are tough! The ending of the story isn't happy. To be quite truthful it is sorrowful. And I think thats the way it has to be. But it means something-it is impactful and the reader knows 100% that Kaikeyi did the right things. Even if she lost everything she had worked so hard for. The true definition of sacrifice.
I must be in a sacrifice kind of mood, the Song of Achilles and now this LOL.
But to be 100% honest what blew me away was the last sentence. It is one of my favorite ways to end a book and especially this story. "Before Ramas story it was mine" HOLY MOLY GOOSEBUMPS! I loved that. I loved that story ended with Kaikeyi because thats whose story we were following. When she is no longer a "main character" within Ramas ascension to further god hood the story stops. It was HER's before it was HIS.
I loved it.
That sentence right there fit the entire theme of the book so exceedingly well that I was floored.
So yeah.... I kinda liked the book haha It was fascinating and engaging. I saw myself reflected through the pages as well as seeing a new story I have never known come to life. I highly highly recommend this to everyone and anyone. I think everyone can glean and learn something from the characters within Patel's beautiful novel.
Happy reading and happy Holy Week <3
xoxo,
paige :)
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