A review by thebookishtales
Yashodhara: A Novel by P.S.V Prasad, Volga
3.0
Yashodhara has always remained an enigma to me. I have always tried to read more and follow up about her life as and when I got a chance. I went in with no expectations as I had loved Volga's previous work, The liberation of Sita, and really didn't want to compare the two because I didn't want to repeat the disappointment I experienced with Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
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In this book, Volga writes about the life of Yashodhara, Gautama Buddha's wife, and tries to imagine her life and tries to dissect her character.
I loved how compassionate and brave Yashodhara was. We read about her in the many roles she plays, a daughter, a princess, a wife and a mother. Volga gave her a powerful voice but somehow that fizzled out towards the end. Yashodhara questions the various societal norms and puts the spotlight on women's voices and how they're misinterpreted since time immemorial.
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However I have my issues too. I really wished Volga have concise explanations about the things Yashodhara and Siddhartha talk about. At times, I felt the book wasn't about Yashodhara, but about the spiritual talks both have. I wished to know her point of view about many things which I felt were kind of unfinished in the book. The biggest missed opportunity for me was how incomplete Yashodhara's single parenthood was left. The book didn't explain much about the topic.
I liked this book as it was a thought provoking read in many ways, but it lacked the effect The liberation of Sita had on me. It'll always remain my favourite by Volga.
3⭐
~
In this book, Volga writes about the life of Yashodhara, Gautama Buddha's wife, and tries to imagine her life and tries to dissect her character.
I loved how compassionate and brave Yashodhara was. We read about her in the many roles she plays, a daughter, a princess, a wife and a mother. Volga gave her a powerful voice but somehow that fizzled out towards the end. Yashodhara questions the various societal norms and puts the spotlight on women's voices and how they're misinterpreted since time immemorial.
~
However I have my issues too. I really wished Volga have concise explanations about the things Yashodhara and Siddhartha talk about. At times, I felt the book wasn't about Yashodhara, but about the spiritual talks both have. I wished to know her point of view about many things which I felt were kind of unfinished in the book. The biggest missed opportunity for me was how incomplete Yashodhara's single parenthood was left. The book didn't explain much about the topic.
I liked this book as it was a thought provoking read in many ways, but it lacked the effect The liberation of Sita had on me. It'll always remain my favourite by Volga.
3⭐