*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

I should first start this review by stating that I was not familar with Ramayana or its importance to the Hindu culture before beginning this book. There are several excellent reviews that go more into depth on why KAIKEYI should be read thoughtfully and with respect towards Hinduism and I highly recommend reading them, and doing your own research.

Because my experience and knowledge of the original epic is limited to what little research I've done, I cannot, with good concious, make any comparisons of this book and the inspiration behind it, Ramayana. This review will be made from the viewpoint of a Western audience with little working knowledge of Ramayana,

KAIKEYI, when examined as a stand alone book, is solid. I loved the development of relationships between the main character, Kaikeyi, and those around her-- her twin brother and family, her husband and fellow wives, her sons, her people. The author did a wonderful job of commenting on the tenuous relationships we all share with one another, while introducing a magical realism element that brings those connections into the visual field. I loved the blatent feminism, which (even if we know it may not be period accurate) felt plausible when put into practice. I also enjoyed the asexual representation, it didn't take away from the story, but added another layer to Kaikeyi.

The book is seperated into four parts, with most of the action taking place in the last part. The pacing felt odd to me as the reader, so much more emphasis placed on Kaikeyi's childhood and early years than on the part inspired directly by events in the source material.

Overall, Kaikeyi is perfect for people who enjoy retellings of classical stories. It should not be taken as an alternative, as the author herself states, but enjoyed by people who like asking "What if?".