#Review: Tara’s Truce by Kavita Kane

Tara’s Truce
Author: Kavita Kane
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Rating: ⅘

Tara’s Truce by Kavita Kané is a captivating retelling of the Ramayana from the perspective of Tara, the wife of Vali and the queen of Kishkindha. The book explores Tara’s inner turmoil, her loyalty, and her role in the lives of the prominent characters, offering a fresh perspective on her story within the epic tale of Ramayana.

The book begins with Tara’s childhood, where she meets Vali and Sugriv, the two brothers who would shape her destiny. Tara is drawn to Vali’s strength and charisma, and soon becomes his wife and the queen of the monkey kingdom. She is a wise and influential woman, who helps Vali rule the kingdom with justice and prosperity. However, her happiness is shattered when Sugriv challenges Vali for the throne, and Rama intervenes in their duel, killing Vali with a hidden arrow. Tara is devastated by the loss of her husband and curses Rama for his treachery. She is then forced to marry Sugriv, who becomes the new king with Rama’s help. Tara has to adjust to her new life and find a way to reconcile with her husband’s killer, while also maintaining peace and harmony in the kingdom.

The book is a compelling read, as it delves into the emotions and motivations of Tara, who is often overlooked in the traditional versions of the Ramayana. Kané portrays Tara as a complex and strong woman, who faces the challenges of a male-dominated society with courage and dignity. She also shows how Tara influences the decisions and actions of the other characters, such as Vali, Sugriv, Rama, and Hanuman, and how she contributes to the larger narrative of the Ramayana. The book also highlights the themes of love, duty, sacrifice, and destiny, and how they shape the lives of the characters.

The book is well-written, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogues. The author has done a commendable job of researching the various versions and interpretations of the Ramayana and presenting a coherent and consistent story. The book also has a glossary of terms and names, which is helpful for readers who are not familiar with Indian mythology. The book is a must-read for the fans of the Ramayana, and for anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction with a feminist twist.

Best wishes to the author!

Buy this book from here: Amazon