Ten incarnations of Rebellion- riveting and mesmerizing read

I have been an ardent fan of Vaishnavi Patel's work, with Kaikeyi being a firm favorite. Her lyrical writing melded beautifully with the epic mythology thenes she picked. This read, was a sharp left turn for me, from an expectations perspective.

Vaishnavi combined the ignominy of subjugation and the angst of familial bonds, both found and inherited, in a time of change. Her tone captures the rawness of emotions and the undercurrent of fear, hopelessness and the need for fulfillment among youth whose ambitions have been repressed. The tale is a beautiful panorama of the Indian freedom movement, where the existing heroes were dealt with by the British. Vaishnavi weaves threads of patriotism, acceptance, forgiveness and freedom as tangible as the angst of the lead, Kalki, her growth and the confluence of societal and political impetus that drive her.

I thoroughly relished the tale and the interspersed references to the dasavatar or the ten reincarnations that Vishnu took to preserve goodness on earth. While looking at morality and death surrounding a leaders choices and the consequences actions of rebellion bring, Vaishnavi spins a bold and flawed etching that hits closer to home truths and the prevailing tensions. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Poppy War and An ember in the Ashes. While magical systems may be missing, the writing and tone deals a mellifluous and lyrical ebb to this tale of the freedom struggle.

The tale follows Kalki Divekar, daughter of a ILM rebel, and fervent believer of freedom, in her quest for aiding the freedom movement despite being relegated to lowly roles due to her nationality and her gender. The research undertaken to bring out this nuanced tonality to the treatment meted out to folks is beautifully executed. Assisting Kalki, akin to three musketeers, are the compassionate Fauzia and the downtrodden Yashu. Their paths to individual glory and their collective planning form the basis of this gripping tale!

Many thank yous to Netgalley and Random House Publishing - Ballentine for the ARC!