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Kaikeyi

the instant New York Times bestseller and Tiktok sensation
4.18 goodreads logo

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( 36,300 ratings, 6,179 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel is a reimagining of the life of the mythological figure Kaikeyi from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. The story delves into her journey from a curious and ambitious young princess to a powerful queen, exploring her personal struggles and the choices she makes to protect her family and kingdom. It offers a fresh perspective on her motivations and the societal expectations she seeks to challenge.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to reimagined tales and are fascinated by perspectives that challenge traditional narratives. It delves into the mythological world, offering a fresh voice and an expansive exploration of a character often misunderstood, filled with intrigue, power dynamics, and emotional depth.

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A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana, weaving a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak - and an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
An instant New York Times bestseller and Tiktok sensation, Vaishnavi Patel's stunning debut Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana...

The only daughter of a king, Kaikeyi watches as her mother is banished and her own worth is reduced to what marriage alliance she can secure. Although she was raised on stories of the might and benevolence of the gods, her prayers for help go unanswered. She turns to her mother's library and discovers a magic that is hers alone.

With this power, Kaikeyi transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat, and favoured queen, determined to carve a better world for herself and the women around her. But when evils from her childhood stories threaten her world, 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.

A must for readers of historical and mythological retellings such as Madeline Miller's Circe and Jennifer Saint's Ariadne, this powerful debut weaves a tale of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

Praise for Kaikeyi:

'Mythic retelling at its best' β€” R. F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War

'Utterly captivating from start to finish' β€” Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart

'Brave, compassionate and powerful' β€” Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne

'A lyrical and evocative retelling, full of power and grace' β€” Ava Reid, author of The Wolf and the Woodsman

'Compulsively readable and infinitely compassionate' β€” Roshani Chokshi, author of The Gilded Wolves

'A thought-provoking, nuanced new look at one of humanity's most foundational stories' β€” S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass

'Fans of Madeline Miller's Circe will fall hard for this story' β€” Booklist (starred review)

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel has received acclaim for its powerful portrayal of a vilified character from the Ramayana, offering a compelling narrative filled with court intrigue, familial tensions, and mythic magic. Reviewers praise the book for its nuanced retelling, strong female characters, and its fresh, compassionate perspective on an ancient epic. The debut is often compared to Madeline Miller's work for its deep emotional resonance and complex characterisation.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356520193

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 528

About the Author

Vaishnavi Patel is a law student focusing on constitutional law and civil rights. She likes to write at the intersection of Indian myth, feminism, and anti-colonialism.

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