Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is a powerful and well-paced story from Vaishnavi Patel. Once I started, I could not put this heartbreaking and clever book down. Kalki is the daughter of a freedom fighter, who now resides in Kingston. Kingston is an alternate 1960s version of India where the British reign and cloying oppression haunts the streets. Ten Incarnations of Rebellion follows Kalki through a decade of her life. When Kalki decides to try and make a difference, she recruits her friends Fauzia and Yashu. Yet the stakes are life or death and one mistake ends it all. Can the women make a difference in the fight for freedom? 

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is an incredibly compelling read. It is clearly well-researched and written with a deep understanding of India. While some of the source material was new to me, readers will not have a difficult time following this alternate version of India that Kalki traverses. Patel weaves a story that is full of heart, rage, sadness, grief, and depicts the unending desire for freedom. I loved Kalki’s friendship and relationship with Yashu and Fauzia. Readers seeking a book that will make them think and feel deeply should read this book. Kalki’s grueling fight for freedom feels more relevant than ever and I would highly encourage you to pick up this book! 

Thank you to Vaishnavi Patel, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.