#Review: Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane

Ahalya’s Awakening
Author: Kavita Kane
Publisher: Rupa Publication
Rating: 4/5

Three of the most common features of mythological books that generate a repulsive force whenever I decide to choose this genre are complex narrative, intertwined/ parallel storylines and verbose characters. Ahalya was probably completely deprived of these traits, which kept me hooked until the very end. I haven’t read Kavita Kane’s books before and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t find her writing delicious!

Ahalya, the woman who rediscovered herself by getting cursed by her true love, is a story set in the times of Rama and Sita. Enthusiastic about gaining knowledge and having the audacity to question norms that dictated a patriarchal society, Ahalya comes across as a fierce woman who cherishes her beauty and prefers caution over indulgence. Yet destiny’s bitter plan plays with her mind and she ends up committing adultery (as is shown in this book). She cites her desire for humane touch as the reason and her husband, Rishi Gautam, voices out his agony too, but in the process, a great story unfolds that is remembered even today.

Kane’s treatment of childhood innocence and indecent intentions is praiseworthy. From the beginning, Ahalya’s character is shown to have a wise exterior and a thoughtful interior. Yet sometimes, her banter with her mother, or her husband for that matter, sounded abstruse. Significantly, the last part of the story, the falling action, sounded a bit obscure. Nevertheless, the taut narrative and excellent characterization helped me finish this book in two sittings. Hence, I would recommend this one.

Best wishes to the author!

Buy this book from here: Amazon