The Ahalya’s Awakening is a wonderful retelling of Ahalya’s life. In this review of Ahalya’s Awakening, we have mentioned why we liked this book and why you must also read this book.
About the Book
Title: Ahalya’s Awakening
Author: Kavita Kane
Genre: Mythology, Indian
Publisher: Westland
Type: Standalone
Pages: 356
Goodreads Rating: 3.9 / 5
It’s a well-known legend that Ahalya was cursed to turn into stone by her husband Rishi Gautum for infidelity. But is it true? And if so, why? In this gripping retelling, Kavita Kane tells us about Ahalya’s life from birth till after the curse and how it affected her.
Ahalya’s Awakening Review
I was reading The Forest of Enchantments by Kavita Kane when I stumbled upon a brief mention of Ahalya. And honestly, that piqued my curiosity. I couldn’t stop thinking about her story, especially after learning that there was a whole book about her by the same author. Naturally, I had to check it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Kavita Kane has this amazing talent for retelling mythological tales from a female perspective. She does it so effortlessly that it feels like you’re hearing these stories for the first time. In Ahalya’s Awakening, she’s at it again, breathing new life into an old legend.
Now, the cover and title of the book? Spot on. The title, Ahalya’s Awakening, couldn’t be more perfect. It perfectly captures the essence of her story—her journey from being cursed into stone to her eventual rebirth. And the cover is a work of art, too. The depiction of Ahalya as half-stone, half-human, immediately sets the tone and connects to her curse. It’s hauntingly beautiful, just like the story.
From the very beginning, the book pulls you right into Ahalya’s world. The writing is so immersive that it almost feels like you’re there, watching everything unfold. Kane does a fantastic job of making you feel connected to the characters and the events. It’s not just a story you read, but a world you step into.
The plot is gripping. It’s layered and thoughtful, and it keeps you hooked all the way to the end. What I especially loved was that the author didn’t just stick to Ahalya’s perspective. She gave us a peek into Indra’s mind too. And wow, it really added depth to his character. You get to understand why he did what he did, which makes the whole situation a bit more complicated.
“It is just one single moment of weakness, that momentary lapse of judgment—that is all it takes for us to make us lose our all in our struggle between good and bad, right and wrong, allowing the wrong to win.”
― Kavita Kané
The pacing was spot-on, by the way. Not too fast, not too slow—just the right balance to keep the story moving without feeling rushed or dragging on.
And oh, the epilogue. That’s where it all came together. The conversation between Ahalya and Sita was the perfect way to wrap up everything. It gave a sense of closure while still leaving a lot for you to think about. It felt like a little meditation on Ahalya’s journey, and it was just beautiful.
Honestly, Kavita Kane nailed it with Ahalya’s Awakening. The way she captures Ahalya’s emotions, her inner turmoil, and her moments of clarity makes you feel like you’re right there with her, living through it all. By the time I finished this book, I felt like I had witnessed Ahalya’s transformation firsthand. Kane’s writing style is so accessible and easy to follow, but at the same time, it’s deeply emotional and evocative. It’s one of those books that you just feel.
Conclusion
Rating: 5 / 5 Our Rating Guide
Recommendation: Definitely Yes!!!!!!
If you loved books like Menaka’s Choice, Circe, or The Forest of Enchantments, this one is right up your alley. A perfect mix of mythology, emotion, and strong female voices—this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys these kinds of stories. Go pick it up, you won’t regret it!
About the Author
Born in Mumbai, a childhood spent largely in Patna and Delhi, Kavita currently lives in Pune with her mariner husband Prakash, and two daughters Kimaya and Amiya. She is a senior journalist with a career of over two decades, which includes working for Magna publication and DNA, and then she quit her job as Assistant Editor of Times of India to devote herself as a full-time author. Her debut novel, Karna’s Wife,(2013) is a bestseller.
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I appreciate you sharing this post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.