#Review: The Girl Who Became a Buddha by Maria DeJongpa

I picked up The Girl Who Became a Buddha expecting a retelling of a familiar story, but what I found was a fresh and compelling perspective on a figure who is usually pushed to the margins of history. Instead of following Siddhartha’s journey alone, Maria DeJongpa places the spotlight on Pajapati, Maya’s younger sister and the woman who eventually raised the future Buddha.

What impressed me most was how vividly Pajapati comes alive on the page. She is stubborn, intelligent, fiercely loyal, and often frustrated by the limitations imposed on women in her world. Her voice is sharp and engaging, making an ancient setting feel surprisingly immediate and relatable. Through her eyes, the political alliances, family obligations, prophecies, and personal sacrifices surrounding Siddhartha’s life gain a new emotional depth.

The novel also does a wonderful job of exploring questions about destiny, duty, love, and freedom. While the story is rooted in Buddhist history and tradition, it never feels preachy. Instead, it remains deeply human, focusing on relationships and the difficult choices people make when their personal desires clash with larger responsibilities.

I especially appreciated the rich historical atmosphere and the author’s ability to balance spiritual themes with an intimate family story. By the end, I felt I had discovered not just a forgotten historical figure but a remarkable woman whose strength and resilience deserved to be remembered. This is a thoughtful, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page.

Find this book here.