Kavita Kane Boeken

From the bestselling author of Karna's Wife, comes this book about Urmila, Sita's sister and the neglected wife of Lakshman, and one of the most overlooked characters in the Ramayana. As Sita prepares to go into exile, her younger sisters stay back at the doomed palace of Ayodhya, their smiles, hope and joy wiped away in a single stroke. And through the tears and the tragedy one woman of immense strength and conviction stands apart-Urmila, whose husband, Lakshman, has chosen to accompany his brother Ram to the forest rather than stay with his bride. She could have insisted on joining Lakshman, as did Sita with Ram. But she did not. Why did she agree to be left behind in the palace, waiting for her husband for fourteen painfully long years?

The narrative explores a philosophy of fleeting relationships, encapsulated in the motto "We make love and leave." Menaka is urged to embrace this lifestyle to avoid deep emotional pain and suffering. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connections, challenging the notion of commitment and the consequences of transient encounters.

Exploring the life of Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, this narrative unveils her story through the perspectives of various celestial beings and mortals. It highlights her unique relationship with Brahma, showcasing their unconventional marriage as a partnership of independent spirits. By bringing forth the voices of lesser-known characters, the book reveals the complexities of Sarasvati's identity, artistry, and significance, challenging traditional myths and offering a fresh understanding of this remarkable goddess.

The narrative explores Surpanakha, often viewed as a villain in the Ramayana, challenging her portrayal as merely an instigator of conflict. It delves into her complex character, questioning whether she is a brutal aggressor or a victim of circumstances. The story reexamines her role in the epic, contemplating her identity as 'Lanka's princess' and the implications of her actions on the fate of her kingdom. Through this lens, the book aims to provide a deeper understanding of her motivations and the broader themes of power and victimhood.