Book Review- The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

I hesitated for far too long to pick up this book, primarily out of a lingering fear that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as  Palace of Illusions by the same author. Sadly, that fear turned out to be justified. It’s not that the writing is subpar; in fact, it’s far from it. The narrative is a remarkable blend of literary, mythological, and fictional elements, showcasing the author’s talent. However, my inner self struggled to connect with the portrayal of a fragile and emotional Sita. The depth of her character didn’t resonate with me, leaving me feeling somewhat unfulfilled in my reading experience.

For me, "Sita" embodies the essence of a master strategist! Choosing the forest wasn’t just an emotional decision; it was a calculated move that showcased her brilliance. Raised in a society where women played pivotal roles in governance, she emerged as a fierce warrior. Her unyielding spirit in the face of Ravana’s threats reveals her incredible bravery. Sita is truly ahead of her time, opting to shield her children from the treacherous politics of the palace, driven by a deep sense of obligation and foresight.

Yet, the book paints a different picture, focusing predominantly on her vulnerabilities. It emphasizes her desires and unrealistic hopes, limiting her portrayal to the conventional expectations placed on women in ancient Bharatiya society. Isn’t it fascinating how the narrative choices shape our understanding of such a powerful character?

The book definitely has some cool highlights. The Sitayan (tale of Sita) and not Ramayan brings up a really interesting version of the life of Sita.

Sita describes Ram as stubborn, determined, and righteous. The narrative seems to come from a place of pain rather than love. While she views Ram as a good person, she notes that he is very set in his ways. Although he strives for perfection and aims to establish an ideal kingdom, he often loses sight of what truly matters in his personal life for the sake of that perfection. Additionally, while the story presents Raavan as more than just an evil Asura King, I found myself not particularly invested in his storyline.

The book tells the story of Ram and Sita's marriage, their exile to the forest, Surpanakha's love for Ram, the ensuing battle, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Reading this retelling captures your interest and keeps you engaged throughout. It also highlights the roles of other female characters like Kaikeyi, Surpanakha, and Mandodari, who often stay in the background of the main story.

Conclusion- The book powerfully highlights the timeless relevance of the Ramayana, urging readers to confront vital questions: How should women be treated by their loved ones? What rights do they hold in relationships? When is it crucial for a woman to stand strong and proclaim, “Enough!”


Quotes from the book-

“It’s hard to tell them apart, what we bring upon ourselves and what destiny determines.”

“I couldn’t control what was done to me. But my response to it was in my control.”

“How innocent we’d been, thinking that if only we willed something hard enough, it would come true.”

“Because a trained mind is your strongest ally—and an untrained one your worst enemy.”

“All the way back, I pondered the word endure, what it meant. It didn’t mean giving in. It didn’t mean being weak or accepting injustice. It meant taking the challenges thrown at us and dealing with them as intelligently as we knew until we grew stronger than them.”