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Vaishnavi Patel's Reviews > Kaikeyi
Kaikeyi
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I was encouraged by some readers to share a bit of information about Kaikeyi here that readers may be curious about. I believe Goodreads should stay a platform for readers, so I'll be continuing my policy of avoiding this page after posting this.
Kaikeyi began many years ago, as I listened to my Aai and Ajji disagree about the character of Kaikeyi in the Ramayana. I’m so grateful I can share this brave, determined, and ultimately flawed character with you. 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 am a Hindu. It’s the religion that I love. I do not believe it to be above criticism, and I’ve written more about that here if you're interested. My Hinduism is one that can be critiqued, put through the wringer and come out stronger for it. 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.
If you’re curious about my research, I have written more about some of my foundational sources in Kaikeyi's Author’s Note, as well as a bit about some of the changes I made from the plot of the original Ramayana. There are truly too many changes to name, as this is not the Ramayana you might have read or heard growing up. These changes are often, but not always, in service of the plot--it was important to me to establish that Kaikeyi is a "what-if" style alternative rather than a faithful retelling of Valmiki's Ramayana from someone else's perspective. If you want to have a conversation about Kaikeyi I am more accessible on Twitter than here.
What I love most about Hinduism is its ability to contain multitudes of stories, opinions, and contradictions. I love Kaikeyi and its world. But I also love the Ramayana and its original heroes. Part of me will always be the kid who loved the Diwali story of Rama’s homecoming (who am I kidding, it still brings me to tears!). It’s an absolute honor to add my voice to the long list of the Ramayana’s many reimaginings. Thank you for reading.
Kaikeyi began many years ago, as I listened to my Aai and Ajji disagree about the character of Kaikeyi in the Ramayana. I’m so grateful I can share this brave, determined, and ultimately flawed character with you. 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 am a Hindu. It’s the religion that I love. I do not believe it to be above criticism, and I’ve written more about that here if you're interested. My Hinduism is one that can be critiqued, put through the wringer and come out stronger for it. 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.
If you’re curious about my research, I have written more about some of my foundational sources in Kaikeyi's Author’s Note, as well as a bit about some of the changes I made from the plot of the original Ramayana. There are truly too many changes to name, as this is not the Ramayana you might have read or heard growing up. These changes are often, but not always, in service of the plot--it was important to me to establish that Kaikeyi is a "what-if" style alternative rather than a faithful retelling of Valmiki's Ramayana from someone else's perspective. If you want to have a conversation about Kaikeyi I am more accessible on Twitter than here.
What I love most about Hinduism is its ability to contain multitudes of stories, opinions, and contradictions. I love Kaikeyi and its world. But I also love the Ramayana and its original heroes. Part of me will always be the kid who loved the Diwali story of Rama’s homecoming (who am I kidding, it still brings me to tears!). It’s an absolute honor to add my voice to the long list of the Ramayana’s many reimaginings. Thank you for reading.
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February 21, 2021
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February 21, 2021
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Comments Showing 1-50 of 51 (51 new)
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Emily Varga
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rated it 5 stars
Mar 10, 2022 08:16AM
Love the book and this extra info!
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Well said, I'm going to buy this book mainly based off this comment!
Just started reading the book today and was shocked to find out I barely knew anything about the mythology, thinking I might have heard about it more in world religions or anthropology or sociology but it has escaped me. The scenery is gorgeous and it’s definitely competing with Madeline millers Circe and Jennifer Saints Ariadne. I’m more familiar with Greek myth, so those were renditions where I had expectations.
With Kaikeyi, there is nothing to compare it to other than some gods who fill in places of other gods across different cultures.
Her fear is understandable and you’ve given life to someone who originally had her voice more or less left on the back burner. I love that you are adding life to places that deserve to be explored.
Except Hinduism isn't Greek mythology and this novel is based on Hinduphobic talking points routinely used by white supremacists. Falsely associating Hinduism with patriarchy when actual scriptures say otherwise, is Hinduphobic. It does a disservice to readers unfamiliar with the religion who are looking for interesting retellings or character expansions, since the novel gives off a false and dangerous impression of the original scripture. Retellings (as many have successfully done) are at least built upon an existing framework, and then go from there. They do not swim in racist tropes. There are literally Hindu and Sikh people being racially targeted now days based off of negative media and literary portrayals of their religion. Finally, as others have mentioned in reviews, the language was quite lazy. Hindus do not actually believe in multiples “gods”. That’s a western notion and mistranslation put onto the religion that has also led to many crude stereotypes. Any accurate reading into Hinduism beyond the surface will show that this (like the rest of the novel) is based in falsehoods. An opportunity missed.
@ SJ - you're pretty much here only to be annoying so as a Hindu, gonna tell u to shut up. And for anyone taking this clown seriously, don't. Kaikeyi is literally a myth-inspired RETELLING. don't let these clowns make you feel dumb and start agreeing with this nonsense
@TVPB, Goodreads is a place for sharing and discussing, not using fake accounts to defend an author who seems to be your friend or relative (very obvious that your account was hastily made just to counter this comment and other poor reviews). Also, the terrible grammar and resorting to name calling as if you’re on stan twitter is so embarrassing. Several people in the reviews, Hindus and otherwise, have called out how the premise itself of the Ramayan has been totally twisted and supports colonial and white supremacist talking points (many have listed sources). This does have consequences for minorities living in the west who already have to deal with false negative information being spread about their religions. Also, it’s a religious scripture just like The Bible etc. so labeling it as myth is just another colonial-era tactic. If you’re going to do a retelling that you must at least keep the nature of the original in tact and reference it to expand upon (as Madeline Miller beautifully does in her work without destroying and misrepresenting the originals). Stop trying to make this friend/relative/idol of yours to be some Indian version of that. That’s an insult to talented authors who 1. do their research and 2. don’t lean on existing and disproven racist tropes to appeal to a western-leaning market.
LMAO "SJ" telling someone they're a fake account meanwhile you made an account specifically to shit on a book that doesn't cater to YOUR supremacist ideals. shut up
Hey everyone, if you want to see how this author is relying on accounts from her friends/relatives to drown out people calling her out on using racist Hinduphobic plot points, look no further! ^ Several ad hominem attacks/spam in a matter of minutes. Reported for harassment and looking forward to Goodreads deleting these comments and TVPB's account.
Ive been on here since 2009 and literally use it for books for ANYONE to see. You, a clown, are the one hiding behind "1 Review 1 Rating" and trying to pin YOUR insecurities on this author just because people aren't agreeing with your fake agenda. Cry somewhere else.
^ Look, another one :) Reported for ad hominem harassment along with the other 4 comments using name calling.
Aww what happened? Nothing about fake accounts anymore? Let's focus on how you're the one using identities as a shield to spread supremacist ideas under an objectively good book written by a woman of color, trying to harass her, and when someone will clearly not fall for it and call YOU out, you decide to report them from spam on blatantly false ideas which are actually just a mirror of what you're doing--a spam account that is also incredibly failing to get anyone to agree with them.
I have a legitimate account, albeit a few months old, and have not hidden my number of books read etc. from public view unlike you. I am also a "woc" so using that on me to deflect after your FIVE ad hominem attacks have been reported, is not going to work. This author uses several white suprematist Hinduphobic talking points and several other poc have pointed this out in the reviews. Go ahead and call all them names too, and watch your account be deleted. Interesting how you've been on here since 2009 as you claim, yet still haven't learned not to use name calling and aggressive behavior just because someone doesn't like a certain book. You need serious help.
My account is hidden?? My account has ALWAYS been open why are you lying??? In fact YOUR account is hidden. You have "1 Review 1 Rating" so could you explain if you're just plain simple illiterate because that would also explain how wrong you are.I'm a Hindu from the mainland, don't tell ME what this book is like. It's incredible and as a retelling literally one of the most interesting I've read.
You on the other hand "ad hominem" are trying to spread false info about this author and this book. I'm not calling anyone else names because none of them are harassing an author. I saw this and I needed to answer because people like you are the reason authors are leaving social media. "As you claim" meanwhile you're on here hiding behind your stupid "months" old account that I know for a fact you made the day you realized there's an actually good Hindu retelling book coming out so better get ready to shit on it.
Also???? This is the internet not an exam, but here, dropped the stan language since you're some kind of 70 year old who thinks people still need to Exhibit Language Properly. I can tell you're in the west, why else would your standards be so supremacist?
^Another overly aggressive, deranged comment, full of assumptions, lies, and now using ageist language as well, all because of a differing opinion. Also, no one is telling you anything about this book. I'm not even talking to you. Go outside. Touch some grass.
SJ wrote: "^Another overly aggressive, deranged comment, full of assumptions, lies, and now using ageist language as well, all because of a differing opinion. Also, no one is telling you anything about this b..."It's so funny how literally anything I say, you try to co-opt, down to the fact that when I say you're lying by saying I'm a fake account that was just made up--which ANYONE can see is not true simply by clicking on my profile--you start saying my comment is lies.
That isn't deranged at all. Maybe take a good look at what you're doing because everyone can see this comment and we may not know who you are, or what your beef is with a book like this, maybe you're someone who was rejected and are just a hater, but we can still see a sock puppet when there's one. Have a good day sock puppet! Unlike you, some of us are real people not thriving off making others miserable on the internet by making fake accounts and trying to spread hate.
Lol
Thank you for the additional info! I loved Kaikeyi and can’t wait to see what stories you bring to life next.
Amazing book! I loved it! 😍
BS. This book is so openly Hindu phobic and let’s everyone believe that Hinduism is misogynistic to women, when Hinduism venerates women. Take your colonizer mindset and leave.
@Shrina I completely agree! This book is so so openly Hindu phobic! Ram using words such as whore and being portrayed as sexist and entitled, the gods favouring men when in Hindu epics it is nothing like this. This book is just ramayan looked at from a westernized lens… I’m so disappointed I genuinely have never regretted reading a book more
This book takes place a looong time ago, so I am going to read it with an open mind. I have read and taught The Ramayana, and it does not romanticize Hinduism where women are concerned. I think this book is likely The Ramayana viewed through a contemporary lens, and I just started it and like it so far. This is a work of historical fiction, a “what if,” just as the author explained. Think outside the box, people.
Ahh yes “Elise” telling Hindus and WOC how to feel about their own religious texts. No one cares if you’ve “taught” the Ramayana. Many of know first hand how western institutions have their own agendas.
Not meant to offend, just to remind everyone that this is historical *fiction.*. It takes real guts for an author to put herself out there and publish a book. If you don’t like her story, then write your own version.
Writing Hinduphobic content isn’t merely harmless fiction when it aligns so strongly with false colonial stereotypes, that have been shown to have dangerous racist implications. Try to type less and listen more. I know you’re ignorant but there are literally Hindus and Sikhs being targeted in hate crimes! This is largely due to Hinduphobic laced content that western aligned schools of thought “teach”. Then you have the audacity to try and silence *actual* Indian women who are calling out this author (who has a political agenda) for the clear cut Hinduphobia in her sham of a novel. Yes, because we should all be silenced by you, the colonizer wannabe Elise, who thinks she knows more than ACTUAL Indian women about their history and religious texts? Lol typical grubby behavior.
But the author is also an actual Indian woman, right? But because she has a different view, she doesn’t count?
That’s like saying certain POC can’t perpetuate internal racism and further colonial talking points for political agendas and personal gain. It happens all the time! Presenting racist tropes isn’t a view when you’re blatantly misrepresenting an already marginalized religion to a largely uninformed western audience (and the book has several “views” that align exactly with common Hinduphobic talking points).
This isn’t Greek mythology which has died out. This is an existing religion with followers who face racism in the west and are literally getting targeted and killed right now in certain countries in the east. I can’t expect you to get it, because it doesn’t impact you and it’s totally fine that you enjoyed the book! But trying to play devil’s advocate on here because Hindu women are rightfully calling out the author for using false colonial stereotypes (not based in any actual scripture!) isn’t it. Such falsehoods lead to more stereotypes and persecution. Not your concern but at least don’t meddle.
Would you be meddling if black women or Muslim women were calling out clout-driven authors for pushing anti-black or Islamaphobic talking points? I hope not! Then don’t stick your nose in Hindu womens’ business either.
I recently read The Ramayana to prep for this book and it was shocking how terribly women, in particular Sita and Kaikeyi, were treated in it. Thank you for giving a voice to these women.
Vaishnavi, setting aside the negative comments , I think your idea of first giving the reader a perspective from Kaikeyi's point of view was brilliant. Though the root is the Ramayan, I liked the way you weaved the real story into your fiction and how the tale meandered happily. I like your writing style, kept the readers attention at all times and was (for me atleast) a page turner and a really good read.Can't wait to see more from you.
What Chelsea said rings true. What about the way women are treated in The Ramayana itself? How does that square with your opinion, SJ? As Indu said, Vaishnavi was responding to that in her novel. SJ, what do you think of the way Sita and Kaikeyi are treated in The Ramayana itself? By telling you to write your own version, I was not trying to silence you. I really want to learn more. I was not trying to pick a fight. I apologize if my comment came across this way.
Michelle wrote: "Amazing book! I loved it! 😍"agree
Elise wrote: "What Chelsea said rings true. What about the way women are treated in The Ramayana itself? How does that square with your opinion, SJ? As Indu said, Vaishnavi was responding to that in her novel. S..."Elise, I would happily engage in a healthy discussion about a novel but when people starting getting into the religious aspect of it and creating a political bent to it....I just steer clear of it. I like the book for what it is...a historical fiction. When i pick up a book there are two things that I look for: Is it a page turner and do I like the author's writing style. That's it......
I just wanted to share that thought with you because I think your response triggered a series of unwanted discussions. I think the author has a very engaging style of writing and knows how to keep a reader engrossed.....Happy Reading!!!
I looooved this book! I suggest it to anyone that is looking for something to read. I appreciate you sharing more perspective. Thank you!
Loved the book and appreciated a fictional retelling of a story that wasn’t highlighted or expanded upon in the Ramayana. @SJ - this is a work of fiction and it’s fine if you don’t like it but to attack anyone who does is sad.
Thank you. Genuinely, I thank you. Thank you for bringing your story to the world. This is my niche of story telling. To hear it contains such a strong connection to you just makes it all the more enjoyable. May we all have such religious views.
Wow! I'm really sad about this discourse. Haters have to hate. And I, being white, don't count, good to be reminded and continue the fires that burn to divide people and continue racism and it's predictable outcomes. As far as SJ, her hate speech makes me stop listening. NOT because she's a woman of color, but because she's a woman who hates me for my lack of color.
You took the words from my mouth, Zack. Thank you.
This novel is a work of fiction. I enjoyed it, but I don't believe it says anything about Hinduism as it is a reimagination of the original story from another point of view.
I loved this book so much. My biggest question…will you now write about Rama’s fight to win Sita back from Ravana? Please, please, please?
Oh, and the politicalization of such a wonderfully told work of fiction is a travesty. Write on sister, write on❤️
What...it's talking about the time period. About an ancient story where things were different. What's happening?
The point of the story was to ask, "What would it take for a woman to exile her son?" Her effort was more to call out current politics in India, was my understanding, by portraying the story as she did. She actively talks about loving her faith, so I don't see how it's anti Hindu propaganda?
@SJ Maybe this book does not feed your notions of Hinduism but after all it is all mythology and nothing in this world is above scrutiny. I am sure many of us have questioned the glorification of Rama's disregard and abandonment of his wife even before reading this novel. This is precisely patriarchy - a woman must be punished to set an example for other women. By example, they are scared into submission. Something similar was faced by Sita - she was cast aside by her own husband to keep up his public image. At the end of the day, it's just a story which ends in glory for a man and defamation for his wife.
@ Shrina Hinduism only venerates women who are submissive. I think you missed that part. Any woman who decided to exercise her own will was punished. Be it Shakuntala or Draupadi.
I loved this book so much. It was so beautiful! I would love to know more of Sumitra. Did they ever repair their relationship? 💔
