A review by rheasingh_
The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

challenging emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I couldn't help but draw parallels between the Indian mythology that I consumed through oral tradition in childhood; voracious Greek mythology readings of my girlhood- and this text. It is a feminist retelling done right. The major events of the myth remain intact but there is an intimate look into the inner workings of Sita. It is truly Sitayan. Through her, we question the hypocrisy on which the Hindu society was built, misogyny that comes from homosocial thinking amongst Indian men, yet the beauty of our past. A dangerous, heady, wild beauty of a life much different from ours. In end, I was sad for the twins yet overjoyed at the protest that Sita undertook, putting herself and all women before love. I hope that for centuries to come, her side is relayed along with Ram's. So people know which part of our past and scriptures to herald and which to reject.