Kaikeyi

Author: Vaishnavi Patel

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Physical Book (from Page One Subscription)

Read: July 2022

Story Synopsis: Kaikeyi, born the only daughter to the king of Kekaya, grows up with seven brothers learning the ways of the warrior while also trying to be a princess. When Kaikeyi stumbles upon a scroll with a mantra so she may access a mythical plane, a new world opens up to her so she may build, or break, relationships as she sees fit. This story spans Kaikeyi’s life ages twelve to approximately thirty and the major milestones of marriage to a foreign king in a foreign land, childbirth, and her reign as a queen. When her child is denied the throne, Kaikeyi uses a boon granted by her husband to ensure her son’s rule, and her son’s brother’s exile.

Why does this book beguile? I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It kept a steady pace throughout so that I didn’t feel like I couldn’t put it down, but I caught myself thinking about the story constantly when I wasn’t reading it. Kaikeyi is also a feminist who uses her power and privilege as queen to make life better for her citizens in both small and large ways. She builds friendships with the other queens (Kaikeyi is the third wife of the king) and never competes or creates negativity among women. I also loved seeing the main character as a three-dimensional character who is also asexual.

I found it incredibly helpful and important to read the Author’s Note at the beginning of the story. Patel’s take on Kaikeyi and the Ramayana story is unique and different - and truly delightful. After so many stories of gods and their great deeds, it’s wonderful to read an origin style story about one of these gods.

Rating: 5/5

Link*: Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel