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Tara: The Sati Series V | Mythological heroines from the Ramayan and Mahabharat reimagined through a feminist lens in this bestselling series
'Embedded within the epic saga of the Ramayan, Tara’s nuanced narrative is bathed in grace and empathy.' NAMITA GOKHALE
'A powerful depiction of Tara’s world.' AMISH
Tara’s story from the Ramayan has remained veiled in mystery for far too long. Bestselling author Koral Dasgupta illuminates her journey in this meticulously crafted tale.
Charting her early days in the harsh wilderness, Tara ascends to become the queen of Kishkindh during an era of unstable alliances and precarious royalty. Her challenges intensify when she is turned into the victor’s spoils following Bali’s demise and his brother’s ascension to the throne. Yet she shines as a stateswoman, applying clever strategies to restore order amidst the chaos reigning in the kingdom.
In this captivating conclusion to the Sati series, Dasgupta showcases Tara’s rise from obscurity to royalty, deftly navigating the equilibrium between wisdom and tumult. Her story serves as a testament to resilient strength and an unwavering will to shape one’s destiny in an unyielding world.
*
In the Sati series, Koral Dasgupta explores the lives of the Pancha Kanyas from the Hindu epics and reinvents them with a feminist consciousness.
'A powerful depiction of Tara’s world.' AMISH
Tara’s story from the Ramayan has remained veiled in mystery for far too long. Bestselling author Koral Dasgupta illuminates her journey in this meticulously crafted tale.
Charting her early days in the harsh wilderness, Tara ascends to become the queen of Kishkindh during an era of unstable alliances and precarious royalty. Her challenges intensify when she is turned into the victor’s spoils following Bali’s demise and his brother’s ascension to the throne. Yet she shines as a stateswoman, applying clever strategies to restore order amidst the chaos reigning in the kingdom.
In this captivating conclusion to the Sati series, Dasgupta showcases Tara’s rise from obscurity to royalty, deftly navigating the equilibrium between wisdom and tumult. Her story serves as a testament to resilient strength and an unwavering will to shape one’s destiny in an unyielding world.
*
In the Sati series, Koral Dasgupta explores the lives of the Pancha Kanyas from the Hindu epics and reinvents them with a feminist consciousness.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2024
About the author
Koral Dasgupta
12 books106 followers"Her stories give an insight into the unknown world of creativity and imaginations."
WION
"Her novel works beyond the obvious, characters not just individuals but a philosophy."
INDIA TODAY
Koral is an Indian author, now working on The Sati Series for Pan Macmillan. The Sati series is a five book project on the Pancha Kanyas of Indian mythology.
She is a compulsive storyteller. She writes academic non fictions and relationship dramas, exploring the inherent nature of complex minds that leads to a relatable conflict and unpredictable climax. As on May 2020, Koral has published five books with Westland, Niyogi, Rupa and Pan Macmillan Publishers.
She is the founder of www.TellMeYourStory.biz, a story laboratory led by crowd-sourced narratives.
She consults with educational and corporate bodies on content and communication projects and workshops.
Koral is known for a great sense of humour. But when she is tired or sad or angry, she paints.
Koral is recognised in the list of Innovator25 Asia Pacific 2019 prepared by The Holmes Report, a New York based PR news agency.
WION
"Her novel works beyond the obvious, characters not just individuals but a philosophy."
INDIA TODAY
Koral is an Indian author, now working on The Sati Series for Pan Macmillan. The Sati series is a five book project on the Pancha Kanyas of Indian mythology.
She is a compulsive storyteller. She writes academic non fictions and relationship dramas, exploring the inherent nature of complex minds that leads to a relatable conflict and unpredictable climax. As on May 2020, Koral has published five books with Westland, Niyogi, Rupa and Pan Macmillan Publishers.
She is the founder of www.TellMeYourStory.biz, a story laboratory led by crowd-sourced narratives.
She consults with educational and corporate bodies on content and communication projects and workshops.
Koral is known for a great sense of humour. But when she is tired or sad or angry, she paints.
Koral is recognised in the list of Innovator25 Asia Pacific 2019 prepared by The Holmes Report, a New York based PR news agency.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 19, 2024
4/5 STARS
“She called it ‘Sati’. A pursuit to remain loyal and committed to one’s truth and never deflect by greed or guile. To own up with conviction and turn away from deceit. To recognize the voice of the self without pretence and resist being touched by alien assassins inducing cynicism. To express with dignity, to comprehend in totality. To love without reservations. To give and not be affected by the pride of giving. To know, to value, to rise, to shine. To find the joy of life in little nothings. To identify beauty in the mundane.”
The Sati Series by Koral Dasgupta comprises of five books based on the five Pachkanyas; Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari and Tara. These books are supposed to be a retelling with a modernist perspective that shine these women in a fairer, more feministic light.
~~The Original~~
Having obtained a boon that allowed Bali to receive half the strength of his opponents, Bali was a formidable fighter. He banished his brother Sugriva who had assumed his throne, believing him to be dead. Sugriva sought the assistance of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, to intervene in their conflict. In a duel between the brothers, Rama shot Bali in the chest with an arrow.
~~The Retelling~~
I love how in all the five books, the original text is all about the men, which is why it only made sense to have the retelling all about the women. In the fifth book of the Sati series, we get to know Tara, the wife of Bali and Queen of Kishkindha and also the pishachini she was known to be before Bali even entered her life. Unlike passing references in Ramayana, in this short book, we are introduced to her as a brilliant woman-monkey with a sharp presence of mind and an empathetic heart. We read about the enemies to lovers story between Tara and Bali, which I was not expecting but enjoyed nonetheless. We read about Bali’s death with a new light to it. And we read about conversations between Bali and Tara after his death.
This book was perhaps the most tender in its retelling because it aimed to position Bali as a hero in Tara’s story instead of a villain in Ram’s story. And, it did a wonderful job of it because readers come to see Bali in that light too. We see his devotion to Tara, his use of intellect and his fondness towards his younger sibling, when we have only heard of all these things the other way round since ages. I was almost heartbroken to see the separation between Bali and Tara, two times! While I knew Rama’s perspective, I was so glad to know one side of what Bali’s perspective could have been. And, most of all, it was heartening to read of Tara’s perspective, her journey from a timid child to a responsible queen of the vanar kingdom, a devoted yet individualistic wife to Bali, a friend to Ruma and most loyal towards her family and friends in Kishkindha.
In terms of the writing, I found it difficult to get into it in the initial pages, but once I got a track of the past and present story lines, it was an easy read. I think in terms of the definition of a retelling, this one was just as good as Mandodari, if not better. It had everything to it: poetic writing, an actual retelling which did not shy away from taking a bold view, emotions written with feelings to make it a truly worthwhile read. And, lastly, I loved how the book picked from the last one with a letter from Queen Tara to Queen Mandodari and it came full circle with Ahalya meeting Tara at the end. I have rated Tara by Koral Dasgupta at 4/5 stars!
Full Review: Mindscape in Words
“She called it ‘Sati’. A pursuit to remain loyal and committed to one’s truth and never deflect by greed or guile. To own up with conviction and turn away from deceit. To recognize the voice of the self without pretence and resist being touched by alien assassins inducing cynicism. To express with dignity, to comprehend in totality. To love without reservations. To give and not be affected by the pride of giving. To know, to value, to rise, to shine. To find the joy of life in little nothings. To identify beauty in the mundane.”
The Sati Series by Koral Dasgupta comprises of five books based on the five Pachkanyas; Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari and Tara. These books are supposed to be a retelling with a modernist perspective that shine these women in a fairer, more feministic light.
~~The Original~~
Having obtained a boon that allowed Bali to receive half the strength of his opponents, Bali was a formidable fighter. He banished his brother Sugriva who had assumed his throne, believing him to be dead. Sugriva sought the assistance of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, to intervene in their conflict. In a duel between the brothers, Rama shot Bali in the chest with an arrow.
~~The Retelling~~
I love how in all the five books, the original text is all about the men, which is why it only made sense to have the retelling all about the women. In the fifth book of the Sati series, we get to know Tara, the wife of Bali and Queen of Kishkindha and also the pishachini she was known to be before Bali even entered her life. Unlike passing references in Ramayana, in this short book, we are introduced to her as a brilliant woman-monkey with a sharp presence of mind and an empathetic heart. We read about the enemies to lovers story between Tara and Bali, which I was not expecting but enjoyed nonetheless. We read about Bali’s death with a new light to it. And we read about conversations between Bali and Tara after his death.
This book was perhaps the most tender in its retelling because it aimed to position Bali as a hero in Tara’s story instead of a villain in Ram’s story. And, it did a wonderful job of it because readers come to see Bali in that light too. We see his devotion to Tara, his use of intellect and his fondness towards his younger sibling, when we have only heard of all these things the other way round since ages. I was almost heartbroken to see the separation between Bali and Tara, two times! While I knew Rama’s perspective, I was so glad to know one side of what Bali’s perspective could have been. And, most of all, it was heartening to read of Tara’s perspective, her journey from a timid child to a responsible queen of the vanar kingdom, a devoted yet individualistic wife to Bali, a friend to Ruma and most loyal towards her family and friends in Kishkindha.
In terms of the writing, I found it difficult to get into it in the initial pages, but once I got a track of the past and present story lines, it was an easy read. I think in terms of the definition of a retelling, this one was just as good as Mandodari, if not better. It had everything to it: poetic writing, an actual retelling which did not shy away from taking a bold view, emotions written with feelings to make it a truly worthwhile read. And, lastly, I loved how the book picked from the last one with a letter from Queen Tara to Queen Mandodari and it came full circle with Ahalya meeting Tara at the end. I have rated Tara by Koral Dasgupta at 4/5 stars!
Full Review: Mindscape in Words
July 22, 2024
In Tara, Koral Dasgupta weaves a graceful tale of holding onto hope through adversities. Tara is a tale close to my heart, especially because I have grown up in a household full of grandparents who were excellent storytellers, and who would conveniently resort to narrating a tale from the two Great Epics when their coffers of other stories were exhausted. I was a child full of questions, and Bali's wrongful killing was one such question left unanswered that bothered me for a long time. Tara answers it, Tara answers them all.
This story is a retelling of Kishkindha Kanda of Ramayana. Koral adds a humane touch to the world of vanars by drawing newer parallels to the ancient story, therefore bringing forth the tale of Tara, the Queen of Kishkindha and one of the Panchkanya. We are led to a forest land where monkeys, bears, deers and birds coexist in harmony. Once two brothers seek shelter in the forest, who are then requested to stay and rule the forest with wisdom. Bali, the elder one, who's animal wisdom is unparalleled, is made the king. Sugreev, his twin, is a stark contrast to him in personality and ideology. Bali believes in upkeeping the secrets of nature, while Sugreev has a deep admiration for human innovation. Tara is the balance between the two extremes, who joins the fundamentals of nature with innovation.
The beauty of this book is unparalleled. There were uncountable moments when I had to keep the book aside and absorb into what I have just read. This is where imagination did not defy the original, and it is truly exemplary! I began my review with the phrase "holding onto hope through adversities", and that is what I believe the story of each of the Panchkanyas teach us. When the ancestors proclaimed that reciting the names of these five women washes off sins, they probably also meant that their names teach us to be firm and hopeful even on the darkest of times. This a one beautiful book.
This story is a retelling of Kishkindha Kanda of Ramayana. Koral adds a humane touch to the world of vanars by drawing newer parallels to the ancient story, therefore bringing forth the tale of Tara, the Queen of Kishkindha and one of the Panchkanya. We are led to a forest land where monkeys, bears, deers and birds coexist in harmony. Once two brothers seek shelter in the forest, who are then requested to stay and rule the forest with wisdom. Bali, the elder one, who's animal wisdom is unparalleled, is made the king. Sugreev, his twin, is a stark contrast to him in personality and ideology. Bali believes in upkeeping the secrets of nature, while Sugreev has a deep admiration for human innovation. Tara is the balance between the two extremes, who joins the fundamentals of nature with innovation.
The beauty of this book is unparalleled. There were uncountable moments when I had to keep the book aside and absorb into what I have just read. This is where imagination did not defy the original, and it is truly exemplary! I began my review with the phrase "holding onto hope through adversities", and that is what I believe the story of each of the Panchkanyas teach us. When the ancestors proclaimed that reciting the names of these five women washes off sins, they probably also meant that their names teach us to be firm and hopeful even on the darkest of times. This a one beautiful book.
July 13, 2024
Koral Dasgupta's Tara is the fifth and last book in her Sati series. This is also the second book I read in the series after Mandodari. A tale told in an engaging manner, switching between the past and present Tara makes for a good read for mythological story lovers. It must have been tough also because not much is known about Tara in popular culture. Yet, Dasgupta manages to create a multidimensional character.
Tara emerges as a strong female, a good wife, a naughty and lively child and adult who grows up to be intelligent, sensible yet can also be sometimes obtuse and obstinate. Bali and Tara are written as characters who complement and complete each other. And even though Tara is the narrator and the focus of the story, the novel seldom presents her as only a grieving widow who is pining for her dead husband.
Tara is a love story at the same time it's a story of what home is, of brotherly love and quarrel, of friendship and family. I also found it clever how Dasgupta manages to weave in Ahalya, the protagonist of her first book in the series, in Tara, creating a tapestry that seems to have come full circle. I liked Tara more than Mandodari, and if you have enjoyed the previous books in the series or enjoy reading about Indian mythology, keep this in you tbr.
Tara emerges as a strong female, a good wife, a naughty and lively child and adult who grows up to be intelligent, sensible yet can also be sometimes obtuse and obstinate. Bali and Tara are written as characters who complement and complete each other. And even though Tara is the narrator and the focus of the story, the novel seldom presents her as only a grieving widow who is pining for her dead husband.
Tara is a love story at the same time it's a story of what home is, of brotherly love and quarrel, of friendship and family. I also found it clever how Dasgupta manages to weave in Ahalya, the protagonist of her first book in the series, in Tara, creating a tapestry that seems to have come full circle. I liked Tara more than Mandodari, and if you have enjoyed the previous books in the series or enjoy reading about Indian mythology, keep this in you tbr.
August 30, 2024
Mythological stories are full of different views and interpretations.
That's why I'm always excited to dive into retellings—they open up a world of "what ifs" and "what else."
I recently read Tara by Koral Dasgupta, a retelling of the Bali-Sugreev story from the Ramayana. Tara, the daughter of the forest, wife of Bali, and queen of Kishkindha, is a character we don't hear much about. While many know Ruma, Sugreev’s wife, Tara often goes unnoticed. Honestly, I had to look her up myself! So, when I saw a book focused on her, I was really excited.
In Tara, she’s not just Bali's wife—she’s a strong, independent woman with her own mind. Her personality doesn’t always fit in with the Vanar way of life, but she’s determined and uses her strength to help her people. She wants to make things better for them.
This retelling shows the relationship between Bali and Sugreev from Tara’s perspective, and it’s really interesting. Even though it’s told through her eyes, she’s often the one guiding them both, whether it’s in politics or emotions.
What I liked most is that none of the characters are purely good or bad—they all have strengths and weaknesses, and they make both good and bad choices.
Tara was a great read, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Koral Dasgupta!
That's why I'm always excited to dive into retellings—they open up a world of "what ifs" and "what else."
I recently read Tara by Koral Dasgupta, a retelling of the Bali-Sugreev story from the Ramayana. Tara, the daughter of the forest, wife of Bali, and queen of Kishkindha, is a character we don't hear much about. While many know Ruma, Sugreev’s wife, Tara often goes unnoticed. Honestly, I had to look her up myself! So, when I saw a book focused on her, I was really excited.
In Tara, she’s not just Bali's wife—she’s a strong, independent woman with her own mind. Her personality doesn’t always fit in with the Vanar way of life, but she’s determined and uses her strength to help her people. She wants to make things better for them.
This retelling shows the relationship between Bali and Sugreev from Tara’s perspective, and it’s really interesting. Even though it’s told through her eyes, she’s often the one guiding them both, whether it’s in politics or emotions.
What I liked most is that none of the characters are purely good or bad—they all have strengths and weaknesses, and they make both good and bad choices.
Tara was a great read, and I’m looking forward to reading more from Koral Dasgupta!
August 9, 2024
In Indian mythology, the portrayal of women often lacks proper celebration and recognition. In the vastness of Indian mythology, many characters have been overlooked over time. Tara, the Monkey Queen has been one of them. She stands out as an important figure in Indian mythology.
Tara is the fifth and last part of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series. The novel delves into Tara's early life and her marriage to Bali, providing a detailed exploration of their characters. The author not only does justice to Tara's role but also offers an in-depth examination of Bali, a character traditionally depicted as evil. Through this retelling, Koral Dasgupta provides a nuanced portrayal of Bali as a dutiful king, the saviour of his tribe, a loving brother and a graceful lover offering essential explanations for his actions and In Indian mythology, the portrayal of women often lacks proper celebration and recognition. In the vastness of Indian mythology, many characters have been overlooked over time. Tara, the Monkey Queen has been one of them. She stands out as an important figure in Indian mythology.
Tara is the fifth and last part of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series. The novel delves into Tara's early life and her marriage to Bali, providing a detailed exploration of their characters. The author not only does justice to Tara's role but also offers an in-depth examination of Bali, a character traditionally depicted as evil. Through this retelling, Koral Dasgupta provides a nuanced portrayal of Bali as a dutiful king, the saviour of his tribe, a loving brother and a graceful lover offering essential explanations for his actions and decisions. The novel also sheds light on the making of the Kishkindha kingdom, the rise of Bali as a king, the trauma that caused Bali to exile his beloved brother and the circumstances of Tara marrying Sugreev after the death of Bali.
Mythological Fiction is often a very tricky genre to write and Koral Dasgupta has done a great job at it. Dasgupta's narrative gives us an in-depth description of the emotions and psychology of Both Bali and Tara. Tara's character is not just a dutiful wife to the Vanara King, she's also a compassionate leader, a rebel and a deep intellect.
The story flows beautifully and all the characters are well written. At first, Sugreev's portrayal may have seemed somewhat exaggerated, but as the story progressed, it became evident that this was a deliberate choice that served a compelling purpose.
My favourite part of the story was the poignant exchange between Tara and Bali after Bali's tragic death. This interaction added a layer of depth and emotional resonance that elevated the entire story. Bali's sharing of his views and personal stories not only provided insight into his character but also filled a void that was present in other parts of the story. The dialogue between Tara and Bali created a profound and touching moment. I also loved the camaraderie between Bali and Tara. Their friendship and Mutual respect add a new dimension to the retelling.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this retelling of the Kishkindha kand and I'm eager to read other books from the series. If you're someone who enjoys mythological fiction, it's worth giving a try.
My favourite part of the story was the poignant exchange between Tara and Bali after Bali's tragic death. This interaction added a layer of depth and emotional resonance that elevated the entire story. Bali's sharing of his views and personal stories not only provided insight into his character but also filled a void that was present in other parts of the story. The dialogue between Tara and Bali created a profound and touching moment. I also loved the camaraderie between Bali and Tara. Their friendship and Mutual respect add a new dimension to the retelling.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this retelling of the Kishkindha kand and I'm eager to read other books from the series. If you're someone who enjoys mythological fiction, it's worth giving a try.
Tara is the fifth and last part of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series. The novel delves into Tara's early life and her marriage to Bali, providing a detailed exploration of their characters. The author not only does justice to Tara's role but also offers an in-depth examination of Bali, a character traditionally depicted as evil. Through this retelling, Koral Dasgupta provides a nuanced portrayal of Bali as a dutiful king, the saviour of his tribe, a loving brother and a graceful lover offering essential explanations for his actions and In Indian mythology, the portrayal of women often lacks proper celebration and recognition. In the vastness of Indian mythology, many characters have been overlooked over time. Tara, the Monkey Queen has been one of them. She stands out as an important figure in Indian mythology.
Tara is the fifth and last part of Koral Dasgupta's Sati Series. The novel delves into Tara's early life and her marriage to Bali, providing a detailed exploration of their characters. The author not only does justice to Tara's role but also offers an in-depth examination of Bali, a character traditionally depicted as evil. Through this retelling, Koral Dasgupta provides a nuanced portrayal of Bali as a dutiful king, the saviour of his tribe, a loving brother and a graceful lover offering essential explanations for his actions and decisions. The novel also sheds light on the making of the Kishkindha kingdom, the rise of Bali as a king, the trauma that caused Bali to exile his beloved brother and the circumstances of Tara marrying Sugreev after the death of Bali.
Mythological Fiction is often a very tricky genre to write and Koral Dasgupta has done a great job at it. Dasgupta's narrative gives us an in-depth description of the emotions and psychology of Both Bali and Tara. Tara's character is not just a dutiful wife to the Vanara King, she's also a compassionate leader, a rebel and a deep intellect.
The story flows beautifully and all the characters are well written. At first, Sugreev's portrayal may have seemed somewhat exaggerated, but as the story progressed, it became evident that this was a deliberate choice that served a compelling purpose.
My favourite part of the story was the poignant exchange between Tara and Bali after Bali's tragic death. This interaction added a layer of depth and emotional resonance that elevated the entire story. Bali's sharing of his views and personal stories not only provided insight into his character but also filled a void that was present in other parts of the story. The dialogue between Tara and Bali created a profound and touching moment. I also loved the camaraderie between Bali and Tara. Their friendship and Mutual respect add a new dimension to the retelling.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this retelling of the Kishkindha kand and I'm eager to read other books from the series. If you're someone who enjoys mythological fiction, it's worth giving a try.
My favourite part of the story was the poignant exchange between Tara and Bali after Bali's tragic death. This interaction added a layer of depth and emotional resonance that elevated the entire story. Bali's sharing of his views and personal stories not only provided insight into his character but also filled a void that was present in other parts of the story. The dialogue between Tara and Bali created a profound and touching moment. I also loved the camaraderie between Bali and Tara. Their friendship and Mutual respect add a new dimension to the retelling.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this retelling of the Kishkindha kand and I'm eager to read other books from the series. If you're someone who enjoys mythological fiction, it's worth giving a try.
July 13, 2024
Name : Tara
Author : Koral Dasgupta
Genre : Mythological Retelling
My 💭:
[12/07/2024 10.25PM]
Author, you did it again! You made me fall in love with your writing again and gifted us Tara's story.
Readers, those of you, who haven't read the Sati series yet, consider this you sign to pick it up NOW. Omg never ever have I loved all the books in a series this much 🥹. A big big thank you to bookstagram for introducing me to this must read series!
I had started reading this book yesterday night and had planned to relish the book slowly throughout today. But sadly, life had other plans for me 😮💨. Today was a day full of negativity and unexpected problems and of course, huge work pressure, while battling my sleep deprivation. As a result, I could pick up reading only after evening and yes, I devoured it in 3 hours, totally forgetting about relishing it slowly. The writing and the story is wayyy too good, so I couldn't control myself 🙈.
I had recently read another retelling of Tara's story and yet my reading experience of Koral ma'am's Tara is soo different and... magical (I have honestly no other word to describe it). The other book was well written as well, it had a more of dramatic vibe to it. But Sati series is anything but theatric. All the books in this series have this etherealness imbued in them that will force you to accept the otherworldly feeling of Indian mythology. I guess it's quite evident now, how much I love this series 💯.
I absolutely loved Tara! This pishachini has absolutely made me her fan! I loved how original and full of life she is! And Koral ma'am has done an amazing job of clearly and correctly representing her and her tribe as vanars (monkeys), and not like humans. Her actions in the face of adversity, protecting her own and her usage of logic, instead of emotions, will always be inspiring to me. Not just Tara, I empathised with every single main character in this book - Ruma, Bali and Sugreev. Especially Ruma.
Unlike the other books in the Sati series, Tara's story was heavily dependent on the others' actions around her. So there was a lot of politics and activities in her story. And the few times she revealed her emotions, it was so raw and real 🥺.
I was hopefully waiting for Indra in this book as well, and I was SOOOO happy when he came. And there's an unexpected cameo of a character in the end that kind of brings closure to the whole Sati series. Loved loved loved it 😍.
Author : Koral Dasgupta
Genre : Mythological Retelling
My 💭:
[12/07/2024 10.25PM]
Author, you did it again! You made me fall in love with your writing again and gifted us Tara's story.
Readers, those of you, who haven't read the Sati series yet, consider this you sign to pick it up NOW. Omg never ever have I loved all the books in a series this much 🥹. A big big thank you to bookstagram for introducing me to this must read series!
I had started reading this book yesterday night and had planned to relish the book slowly throughout today. But sadly, life had other plans for me 😮💨. Today was a day full of negativity and unexpected problems and of course, huge work pressure, while battling my sleep deprivation. As a result, I could pick up reading only after evening and yes, I devoured it in 3 hours, totally forgetting about relishing it slowly. The writing and the story is wayyy too good, so I couldn't control myself 🙈.
I had recently read another retelling of Tara's story and yet my reading experience of Koral ma'am's Tara is soo different and... magical (I have honestly no other word to describe it). The other book was well written as well, it had a more of dramatic vibe to it. But Sati series is anything but theatric. All the books in this series have this etherealness imbued in them that will force you to accept the otherworldly feeling of Indian mythology. I guess it's quite evident now, how much I love this series 💯.
I absolutely loved Tara! This pishachini has absolutely made me her fan! I loved how original and full of life she is! And Koral ma'am has done an amazing job of clearly and correctly representing her and her tribe as vanars (monkeys), and not like humans. Her actions in the face of adversity, protecting her own and her usage of logic, instead of emotions, will always be inspiring to me. Not just Tara, I empathised with every single main character in this book - Ruma, Bali and Sugreev. Especially Ruma.
Unlike the other books in the Sati series, Tara's story was heavily dependent on the others' actions around her. So there was a lot of politics and activities in her story. And the few times she revealed her emotions, it was so raw and real 🥺.
I was hopefully waiting for Indra in this book as well, and I was SOOOO happy when he came. And there's an unexpected cameo of a character in the end that kind of brings closure to the whole Sati series. Loved loved loved it 😍.
July 28, 2024
*Tara* by Koral Dasgupta, the concluding installment of the *Sati* series, offers a fresh and insightful perspective on Tara, a figure often overshadowed in the *Ramayana*. Known mainly as the wife of Bali and later Sugreev, Tara's story is richly expanded, depicting her rise from obscurity to royalty in Kishkindha. The novel highlights Tara's resilience and intelligence as she navigates a world marked by political intrigue and personal betrayal, especially after Bali's demise and Sugreev's ascendancy.
Set in the vibrant backdrop of the Vanara kingdom, the book explores Tara's unique abilities, including her communication with animals, and her role as a peacemaker amidst the kingdom's tumultuous politics. Dasgupta's portrayal of Tara as a strong and wise stateswoman challenges traditional gender roles and brings a new depth to the character.
The narrative is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions and a deep exploration of the characters' inner lives. The story’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Tara’s journey, reflecting broader themes of power, love, and societal norms. Dasgupta uses rich dialogues to progress the story, making the ancient tales resonate with contemporary issues, particularly regarding women's agency and empowerment.
A standout moment in the book is the conversation between Tara and Ahalya towards the end, which provides a poignant reflection on their lives and the choices they made. This dialogue offers a fitting and beautiful conclusion to the series, encapsulating the essence of the *Sati* series' focus on the untold stories of women from Indian epics.
*Tara* is not just a retelling but a reimagining that celebrates the complexities and strengths of its female characters. It's a must-read for those interested in mythology, feminist literature, and beautifully crafted stories that challenge traditional narratives and bring new insights into familiar tales.
Set in the vibrant backdrop of the Vanara kingdom, the book explores Tara's unique abilities, including her communication with animals, and her role as a peacemaker amidst the kingdom's tumultuous politics. Dasgupta's portrayal of Tara as a strong and wise stateswoman challenges traditional gender roles and brings a new depth to the character.
The narrative is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions and a deep exploration of the characters' inner lives. The story’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Tara’s journey, reflecting broader themes of power, love, and societal norms. Dasgupta uses rich dialogues to progress the story, making the ancient tales resonate with contemporary issues, particularly regarding women's agency and empowerment.
A standout moment in the book is the conversation between Tara and Ahalya towards the end, which provides a poignant reflection on their lives and the choices they made. This dialogue offers a fitting and beautiful conclusion to the series, encapsulating the essence of the *Sati* series' focus on the untold stories of women from Indian epics.
*Tara* is not just a retelling but a reimagining that celebrates the complexities and strengths of its female characters. It's a must-read for those interested in mythology, feminist literature, and beautifully crafted stories that challenge traditional narratives and bring new insights into familiar tales.
August 2, 2024
𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓪 𝓫𝔂 𝓚𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓵 𝓓𝓪𝓼𝓰𝓾𝓹𝓽𝓪
𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 :- Tara is the vanar Queen of the forest Kingdom Kishkinda. This story is from Ramayana a Hindu epic mythology. The story follows Tara's journey through the politics of vanar kingdom, her unwavering strength and a perspective angle through which we see the female strength in this epic historic setting.
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 :- This is my first read from the sati series and I'm so glad I started with it. I'd have loved to read it in chronological order but guys I had to fight my mom to get my hands on this one; it's not a surprise my mom is already a huge fan of this series!
The author has selected some extraordinary characters from Indian mythologies. These women are well known but often they're still mysterious in comparison to their male counterparts. And to be honest I have never truly noticed Tara's character in the grand scheme of things in Ramayana.
My grandfather and my mother who used to tell me these tales as bed time stories often exerted the importance of female characters in the political aspects of these epics but to my shock I never noticed Tara which only shows how much I loved reading this book it brought back all my childhood memories with new insights.
This book is so powerfully written in the simplest way. The book showcases Tara's strengths, her deep insights on politics and the pivotal role she played in the epic. Indian mythologies are so complex and have an abundance of stories and characters that teach us something meaningful and I'm so glad the author brought the spotlight on some such characters.
Overall a beautifully well written book. I'm in awe at how epic our mythologies are and I rediscovered my love for them. Thank you for this amazing book @koraldasgupta @panmacmillanindia I'm excited to read the whole series.
𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 :- Tara is the vanar Queen of the forest Kingdom Kishkinda. This story is from Ramayana a Hindu epic mythology. The story follows Tara's journey through the politics of vanar kingdom, her unwavering strength and a perspective angle through which we see the female strength in this epic historic setting.
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 :- This is my first read from the sati series and I'm so glad I started with it. I'd have loved to read it in chronological order but guys I had to fight my mom to get my hands on this one; it's not a surprise my mom is already a huge fan of this series!
The author has selected some extraordinary characters from Indian mythologies. These women are well known but often they're still mysterious in comparison to their male counterparts. And to be honest I have never truly noticed Tara's character in the grand scheme of things in Ramayana.
My grandfather and my mother who used to tell me these tales as bed time stories often exerted the importance of female characters in the political aspects of these epics but to my shock I never noticed Tara which only shows how much I loved reading this book it brought back all my childhood memories with new insights.
This book is so powerfully written in the simplest way. The book showcases Tara's strengths, her deep insights on politics and the pivotal role she played in the epic. Indian mythologies are so complex and have an abundance of stories and characters that teach us something meaningful and I'm so glad the author brought the spotlight on some such characters.
Overall a beautifully well written book. I'm in awe at how epic our mythologies are and I rediscovered my love for them. Thank you for this amazing book @koraldasgupta @panmacmillanindia I'm excited to read the whole series.
August 16, 2024
Book - Tara The Sati Series V
Author -Koral Dasgupta
Publisher - Panmacmillanindia
Page -314
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
So this is the fifth book of the Sati series. And it will tell you the unknown story of Tara ,the Vanar queen of kishkindha, wife of Vanar king Bali, and mother of Angad .
Tara was the queen of the forest and the epitome of purity. The forest used to dance with the rhythm of her words , the birds used to sing for her .
Her husband Bali had a strong belief in animal wisdom and on the other hand Balis ' brother Sugreev admired human rationality . But Tara the queen with brain had always maintained tranquility between these two . Tara's friend Ruma was the wife of Sugreev. The bond between Tara ,Ruma and Sugreev was sooooo beautiful to witness.
Everything was so full of joy and life until the death of Vanar King Bali . Tara had to take the toughest dicision of her life in her weakest moment because it was the last wish of Bali .
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me .It felt like I am watching the life of Tara infront of my eyes. The way she nourished her every relation, the way she handled the most difficult time of her life is so heart breaking to see . I am out of my words to praise Koral ma'am from making Tara alive infront of our eyes . To be honest I have never imagined what could be Tara's perspective . We have always overlooked such characters like Tara but all thanks to Koral ma'am for showing their point of view through her writing. The last few pages of this book, the one and one conversation between Tara and Sugreev and Tara and Indra dev (father of Bali) made me cry like a baby .
If you are a seeker of mythological fiction just go for it without thinking twice. Each part of this series (Kunti , Ahalya, Draupadi , Mandodari , Tara) will leave an unforgettable remark on your soul .
Author -Koral Dasgupta
Publisher - Panmacmillanindia
Page -314
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
So this is the fifth book of the Sati series. And it will tell you the unknown story of Tara ,the Vanar queen of kishkindha, wife of Vanar king Bali, and mother of Angad .
Tara was the queen of the forest and the epitome of purity. The forest used to dance with the rhythm of her words , the birds used to sing for her .
Her husband Bali had a strong belief in animal wisdom and on the other hand Balis ' brother Sugreev admired human rationality . But Tara the queen with brain had always maintained tranquility between these two . Tara's friend Ruma was the wife of Sugreev. The bond between Tara ,Ruma and Sugreev was sooooo beautiful to witness.
Everything was so full of joy and life until the death of Vanar King Bali . Tara had to take the toughest dicision of her life in her weakest moment because it was the last wish of Bali .
This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me .It felt like I am watching the life of Tara infront of my eyes. The way she nourished her every relation, the way she handled the most difficult time of her life is so heart breaking to see . I am out of my words to praise Koral ma'am from making Tara alive infront of our eyes . To be honest I have never imagined what could be Tara's perspective . We have always overlooked such characters like Tara but all thanks to Koral ma'am for showing their point of view through her writing. The last few pages of this book, the one and one conversation between Tara and Sugreev and Tara and Indra dev (father of Bali) made me cry like a baby .
If you are a seeker of mythological fiction just go for it without thinking twice. Each part of this series (Kunti , Ahalya, Draupadi , Mandodari , Tara) will leave an unforgettable remark on your soul .
August 17, 2024
When it comes to my favourite genre, mythological fiction tops the list. This was my second read in the Sati Series. first I have read Mandodari then this book Tara. I loved the writing style of the author, being simple and engaging.
~ 'Every tribe has its own malicious pishachini. She is ours'. Tara was the Vanar Queen of Kishkindha and Wife of king Bali. The story revolves around the protagonist Tara. Other main characters were Twin brothers Bali and Sugreev, Ruma, Sugreev's Wife. The Setting of the book was all about the forest and wildlife. I loved the calmness this book provides to the readers. The long narratives were so engaging and interesting. Tara's character was so bold and intelligent. There were different themes of love, brotherhood, marriage, conflicts, war, friendship and many more. The book cover was no doubt so beautifully designed. Being a reader I always love to read books with feminine sensibility, this was the main reason for me loving this sati series. The conversations Between Tara and Sita touched my heart. The book starts with an interesting letter written by Tara to Queen Mandodari. The author has put all her efforts into writing these retelling stories of the panch kanyas of Hindu Mythology Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari and Tara. She has followed the conception of 'purity'.
'Relationships don't make characters, actions do'.
'No friendship should shield acts of crime'.
The part where Bali and Sugreev fought was so heart wrenching. Such retellings made readers understand the Ramayana in a better way. The most adorable thing I found in the author's works is that she always highlighted female characters and explained their perspectives to the readers. The title was based on the protagonist Tara. In the near future I would love to pick other books from the Sati Series. I really enjoyed reading this one.
~ 'Every tribe has its own malicious pishachini. She is ours'. Tara was the Vanar Queen of Kishkindha and Wife of king Bali. The story revolves around the protagonist Tara. Other main characters were Twin brothers Bali and Sugreev, Ruma, Sugreev's Wife. The Setting of the book was all about the forest and wildlife. I loved the calmness this book provides to the readers. The long narratives were so engaging and interesting. Tara's character was so bold and intelligent. There were different themes of love, brotherhood, marriage, conflicts, war, friendship and many more. The book cover was no doubt so beautifully designed. Being a reader I always love to read books with feminine sensibility, this was the main reason for me loving this sati series. The conversations Between Tara and Sita touched my heart. The book starts with an interesting letter written by Tara to Queen Mandodari. The author has put all her efforts into writing these retelling stories of the panch kanyas of Hindu Mythology Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari and Tara. She has followed the conception of 'purity'.
'Relationships don't make characters, actions do'.
'No friendship should shield acts of crime'.
The part where Bali and Sugreev fought was so heart wrenching. Such retellings made readers understand the Ramayana in a better way. The most adorable thing I found in the author's works is that she always highlighted female characters and explained their perspectives to the readers. The title was based on the protagonist Tara. In the near future I would love to pick other books from the Sati Series. I really enjoyed reading this one.
August 9, 2024
Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari, and Tara- the Pancha Kanyas from the Hindu Epics. In this five-book series from the Hindu epic, the author initially acquainted her readers with female cognizance in mythology, which quickly transforms into intimacy.
Tara- the monkey queen of Kishkindha, Bali’s wife, Sugreev’s friend, and Angad’s mother. Her story has been vague in the legendary tales of Ramayana, but this book will lead your way to the role of animal societies in it. From being the notorious disappointing daughter to her father to falling into a marriage of political alliance, falling in love, developing a friendship, and when one incident changes everything, she becomes the queen of her forest kingdom. The book is a perfect balance between comedy & tragedy, joy & pain, stupidity & wisdom, dispute & negotiation, and loyalty & politics of humans and animals.
Dwindling between her husband Bali’s firm belief in animal wisdom and Sugreev’s likeness for human rationality, Tara who has a secret bond with her forest kingdom, steers her way to peace & dignity. The link between both realms, humans, and animals will bring a devastating conclusion to Tara’s joyful life, where she has to choose the next step even before comprehending the hard blow.
Her friendship with Sugreev & Ruma, her constant love & hate relationship with Bali, her acquaintance with Sita, the conversations she had with Bali after he died, Indra’s role from another realm, the jealousy that was a part of her whole married life, and the finale to that is shocking. This final part of Koral Dasgupta’s stunning Sati Series like all others is emotional and hooking, but its ending is exceptional.
P.S: It was hard to create a picture of Tara as a Monkey Queen, watching too many myth shows has limited my imagination to male monkeys only.
Tara- the monkey queen of Kishkindha, Bali’s wife, Sugreev’s friend, and Angad’s mother. Her story has been vague in the legendary tales of Ramayana, but this book will lead your way to the role of animal societies in it. From being the notorious disappointing daughter to her father to falling into a marriage of political alliance, falling in love, developing a friendship, and when one incident changes everything, she becomes the queen of her forest kingdom. The book is a perfect balance between comedy & tragedy, joy & pain, stupidity & wisdom, dispute & negotiation, and loyalty & politics of humans and animals.
Dwindling between her husband Bali’s firm belief in animal wisdom and Sugreev’s likeness for human rationality, Tara who has a secret bond with her forest kingdom, steers her way to peace & dignity. The link between both realms, humans, and animals will bring a devastating conclusion to Tara’s joyful life, where she has to choose the next step even before comprehending the hard blow.
Her friendship with Sugreev & Ruma, her constant love & hate relationship with Bali, her acquaintance with Sita, the conversations she had with Bali after he died, Indra’s role from another realm, the jealousy that was a part of her whole married life, and the finale to that is shocking. This final part of Koral Dasgupta’s stunning Sati Series like all others is emotional and hooking, but its ending is exceptional.
P.S: It was hard to create a picture of Tara as a Monkey Queen, watching too many myth shows has limited my imagination to male monkeys only.
August 10, 2024
🍂Title: Tara
🍂Author: Koral Dasgupta
🍂Publication: Pan Macmillan India
🍂No. of pages: 314
🍂Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🍂Tara, a significant character of Ramayana, who is known as the wife of Bali and the queen of Kishkindha.
🍂This book is written from Tara's perspective. The author has portrayed her as a wise advisor and a courageous woman. Apart from being a devoted and loyal wife, Tara is also a loving mother. She has embraced all her identities with extreme elegance. But destiny has etched a lot of sacrifices on her fate. Torn between the rivalry of Bali and Sugreev and the responsibilities of being a queen, Tara's journey represents the power of feminine wisdom and resilience.❤️✨
🍂The author has skillfully woven the character of Tara; her character development throughout the book is an enigmatic experience to remember! As I always say, Koral Dasgupta's poetic writing never fails to soothe my soul. Her writing is not just retellings; she has done a commendable job of bringing Tara's character to life. The narration is well-paced, engaging and rich in every literary aspect.The Sati series is a must read for everyone!❤️
🍂I will always be grateful to Bookstagram for introducing me to Koral Ma'am's Sati series. I had no interest in mythology until I happened to come across her book Draupadi on Bookstagram one day. The stunning cover drew me in right away, and I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of the book. Mythological fiction has become one of my all-time favorite genres since then. Many congratulations to Koral Ma'am for the wonderful feedback her precious books are getting from readers. I hope she writes more in the future about other mythological women. Best wishes for her future endeavors.❤️
🍂Author: Koral Dasgupta
🍂Publication: Pan Macmillan India
🍂No. of pages: 314
🍂Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🍂Tara, a significant character of Ramayana, who is known as the wife of Bali and the queen of Kishkindha.
🍂This book is written from Tara's perspective. The author has portrayed her as a wise advisor and a courageous woman. Apart from being a devoted and loyal wife, Tara is also a loving mother. She has embraced all her identities with extreme elegance. But destiny has etched a lot of sacrifices on her fate. Torn between the rivalry of Bali and Sugreev and the responsibilities of being a queen, Tara's journey represents the power of feminine wisdom and resilience.❤️✨
🍂The author has skillfully woven the character of Tara; her character development throughout the book is an enigmatic experience to remember! As I always say, Koral Dasgupta's poetic writing never fails to soothe my soul. Her writing is not just retellings; she has done a commendable job of bringing Tara's character to life. The narration is well-paced, engaging and rich in every literary aspect.The Sati series is a must read for everyone!❤️
🍂I will always be grateful to Bookstagram for introducing me to Koral Ma'am's Sati series. I had no interest in mythology until I happened to come across her book Draupadi on Bookstagram one day. The stunning cover drew me in right away, and I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of the book. Mythological fiction has become one of my all-time favorite genres since then. Many congratulations to Koral Ma'am for the wonderful feedback her precious books are getting from readers. I hope she writes more in the future about other mythological women. Best wishes for her future endeavors.❤️
August 30, 2024
TARA, the fifth book of the SATI series by Koral Dasgupta is a significant exponent of mythological fiction which portrays the life and times of an exceptional character from the Ramayana in a differently fabulous dimension; brighter and broader than it has ever been told.
This is the story of Tara, the queen of Kishkindha, has passed through a lot of impediments in her earlier life as well as in her later life. When the political restlessness, moral anguish stucked the lives, she handled the hardest situations with wisdom and dignity and balanced the equilibrium between the human and animal existence. Through the vision of Tara, it's a retelling of the myth that establish the profound wisdom of a woman who shaped a kingdom and enriched it.
The author has captured a distinct and decent corner of the legend which has added an exceptional vertebrae to the title. The episodes have been knitted with proper mythical background without any kind of hyper-fictional hyperbole or exaggerated narrative.
The compelling storyline, strong characterisation, coherence between the deeds and the doers, gripping narration and lucid language have made the book a genuinely fascinating rather fascinatingly genuine read.
The Sati series has become always been a specimen of much-talked fiction since its first volume was published. With her meticulous vision and extraordinary talent, author has managed to hold on the exquisite essence throughout the series.
Highly recommended , not just this book but the entire Series.
This is the story of Tara, the queen of Kishkindha, has passed through a lot of impediments in her earlier life as well as in her later life. When the political restlessness, moral anguish stucked the lives, she handled the hardest situations with wisdom and dignity and balanced the equilibrium between the human and animal existence. Through the vision of Tara, it's a retelling of the myth that establish the profound wisdom of a woman who shaped a kingdom and enriched it.
The author has captured a distinct and decent corner of the legend which has added an exceptional vertebrae to the title. The episodes have been knitted with proper mythical background without any kind of hyper-fictional hyperbole or exaggerated narrative.
The compelling storyline, strong characterisation, coherence between the deeds and the doers, gripping narration and lucid language have made the book a genuinely fascinating rather fascinatingly genuine read.
The Sati series has become always been a specimen of much-talked fiction since its first volume was published. With her meticulous vision and extraordinary talent, author has managed to hold on the exquisite essence throughout the series.
Highly recommended , not just this book but the entire Series.
July 14, 2024
As I complete the last book of the Sati Series, I'm getting a lot of thoughts flowing, and I can't write them all in this post, unfortunately.
Tara, the Queen of Kishkindha, Wife of Bali, was undoubtedly a powerful woman. The author, Koral has done complete justice to her, and I'm really sad right now that this wonderful series has come to an end.
The very first thing that caught my attention was the way Tara's story began, creating a link to the previous book : A letter to Queen Mandodari. Wow! I was also stunned by Tara developing a script for the monkeys.
To be honest, my favorite character was Ruma (maybe because I wanted to be a doctor, and I've still not gotten over the grief that I couldn't be one). Ruma reminded me a lot about Urmila, Lakshman's wife, mainly due to their sacrifices. All the while, I was thinking what would have happened if Tara had married Sugreev and Ruma, Bali!
I loved the chemistry between Bali and Tara in the initial days when their love blossomed. The story also kept my mind imagining Bali's might. I could picturize Bali killing Dunduvi on the Rishyamukh mountain.
Apart from these, I loved the way Koral has written the epilogue, bringing in "that" character (definitely no spoilers here) to make the series complete. That was something I really didn't imagine coming, and it made a perfect end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will definitely recommend it to everyone.
Tara, the Queen of Kishkindha, Wife of Bali, was undoubtedly a powerful woman. The author, Koral has done complete justice to her, and I'm really sad right now that this wonderful series has come to an end.
The very first thing that caught my attention was the way Tara's story began, creating a link to the previous book : A letter to Queen Mandodari. Wow! I was also stunned by Tara developing a script for the monkeys.
To be honest, my favorite character was Ruma (maybe because I wanted to be a doctor, and I've still not gotten over the grief that I couldn't be one). Ruma reminded me a lot about Urmila, Lakshman's wife, mainly due to their sacrifices. All the while, I was thinking what would have happened if Tara had married Sugreev and Ruma, Bali!
I loved the chemistry between Bali and Tara in the initial days when their love blossomed. The story also kept my mind imagining Bali's might. I could picturize Bali killing Dunduvi on the Rishyamukh mountain.
Apart from these, I loved the way Koral has written the epilogue, bringing in "that" character (definitely no spoilers here) to make the series complete. That was something I really didn't imagine coming, and it made a perfect end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and will definitely recommend it to everyone.
July 13, 2024
Sunday routine in my childhood during vacations wasn't complete without the mandatory time-slot for Ramayan. I remember much of the mainstream characters, and apart from Hanuman, my memory of the monkey brigade is as facilitators to build the bridge across the ocean and help Ram overpower the Lankan forces.
There is very little told of Kishkinda, the Vanara kingdom, or of Tara the Queen consort.
Tara by Koral Dasgupta is a part of her larger "Sati" series, which reimagines the stories of crucial females from the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. She celebrates the unsung heroines of mythology and lends a fresh perspective to their stories.
Through the eyes of Tara, Koral has brought focus to an important part of the epic, mostly overlooked. The vanara band were the backbone, and that's all they remained, but there's more to their story; to Bali-Sugreev-Ram story. Ruma was another new character to me, and I loved getting to know about her.
Reading the Sati series has made me notice and look at characters from a different perspective. It's high time we changed the narrative told from a patriarchal perspective and delved deeper into the silences and unspoken words.
Koral uses conversations to progress the narrative; deep conversations that flow back and forth in time. She focuses on the agency, strength, and resilience characters, challenging traditional gender roles, and highlighting issues of female empowerment while reflecting on broader themes of ove, power, and societal norms.
The beauty of her writing is that she infuses the narrative with contemporary relevance while still being deeply rooted in mythology that makes these ancient tales meaningful in today's time.
The end was a pleasant surprise. Bringing the Sati series to a close on the best possible way!
Whether you're interested in mythology, feminist literature, or simply a beautifully written story, Tara is a novel that promises to captivate and inspire.
There is very little told of Kishkinda, the Vanara kingdom, or of Tara the Queen consort.
Tara by Koral Dasgupta is a part of her larger "Sati" series, which reimagines the stories of crucial females from the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. She celebrates the unsung heroines of mythology and lends a fresh perspective to their stories.
Through the eyes of Tara, Koral has brought focus to an important part of the epic, mostly overlooked. The vanara band were the backbone, and that's all they remained, but there's more to their story; to Bali-Sugreev-Ram story. Ruma was another new character to me, and I loved getting to know about her.
Reading the Sati series has made me notice and look at characters from a different perspective. It's high time we changed the narrative told from a patriarchal perspective and delved deeper into the silences and unspoken words.
Koral uses conversations to progress the narrative; deep conversations that flow back and forth in time. She focuses on the agency, strength, and resilience characters, challenging traditional gender roles, and highlighting issues of female empowerment while reflecting on broader themes of ove, power, and societal norms.
The beauty of her writing is that she infuses the narrative with contemporary relevance while still being deeply rooted in mythology that makes these ancient tales meaningful in today's time.
The end was a pleasant surprise. Bringing the Sati series to a close on the best possible way!
Whether you're interested in mythology, feminist literature, or simply a beautifully written story, Tara is a novel that promises to captivate and inspire.
August 15, 2024
Genre- Mythological fiction
Format- Paperback
Pages- 314
The book "TARA" by author, Koral Dasgupta, presents here the apic story of Tara, Queen of Kishkinda.
The author have penned the whole Sati Series so much gracefully which includes Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari & lastly, Tara. I've read them all except Mandodari, so this is my 4th read from the author as well. And this book offers an exploration if a lesser known but a crucial character, Tara, The Vaanar Queen from an epic Indian book, the Ramayan.
The narrative starts with the sudden demise of Balu & then exploration of multiple events offering some logical as well as emotional derivates occurs.
The story sets as a testament to her strength, resilience & her strong will through all her sufferings from political & emotional turmoil.
Emerge yourself in this mythological tale, contented with challenging traditional gender roles & an affirming women empowerment. The narration offers themes of friendship, kinship & love, besides which it explores connection between animals and humans and much more. The characters are vividly described with rich vocabulary.
A must read mythological fiction & is recommended to all mythological readers .!!!
Happy Reading.!!!
Format- Paperback
Pages- 314
The book "TARA" by author, Koral Dasgupta, presents here the apic story of Tara, Queen of Kishkinda.
The author have penned the whole Sati Series so much gracefully which includes Ahalya, Kunti, Draupadi, Mandodari & lastly, Tara. I've read them all except Mandodari, so this is my 4th read from the author as well. And this book offers an exploration if a lesser known but a crucial character, Tara, The Vaanar Queen from an epic Indian book, the Ramayan.
The narrative starts with the sudden demise of Balu & then exploration of multiple events offering some logical as well as emotional derivates occurs.
The story sets as a testament to her strength, resilience & her strong will through all her sufferings from political & emotional turmoil.
Emerge yourself in this mythological tale, contented with challenging traditional gender roles & an affirming women empowerment. The narration offers themes of friendship, kinship & love, besides which it explores connection between animals and humans and much more. The characters are vividly described with rich vocabulary.
A must read mythological fiction & is recommended to all mythological readers .!!!
Happy Reading.!!!
July 23, 2024
Koral Dasgupta throws light on Tara's world, where Tara communicates with birds and insects, teaching and learning languages. When Sugreev and Bali arrive in Kishkindha, they are invited to take on leadership roles. The brothers embody contrasting philosophies: Bali values animal wisdom while Sugreev admires human rationality. Tara navigates the complexities of human cruelty and animal instincts with poise.
Dasgupta celebrates Tara's resilience and agency, offering a fresh perspective on a character often overshadowed in the Ramayana. She explores the political and emotional turmoil following King Bali's tragic death as Tara grapples with her past with Bali and her present with Sugreev. ‘Tara’ highlights the lesser-known aspects of Kishkindha and the Vanara kingdom, bringing the pivotal role of its inhabitants in the epic to the forefront. Overall, it’s a beautifully written story that makes ancient tales meaningful in today’s context.
Dasgupta celebrates Tara's resilience and agency, offering a fresh perspective on a character often overshadowed in the Ramayana. She explores the political and emotional turmoil following King Bali's tragic death as Tara grapples with her past with Bali and her present with Sugreev. ‘Tara’ highlights the lesser-known aspects of Kishkindha and the Vanara kingdom, bringing the pivotal role of its inhabitants in the epic to the forefront. Overall, it’s a beautifully written story that makes ancient tales meaningful in today’s context.
July 29, 2024
**"Tara" by Koral Dasgupta** is the fifth and final installment in the *Sati* series, This book focuses on Tara, a character often overshadowed in traditional tellings of the *Ramayan*.
In this novel, Dasgupta brings Tara’s journey to life, starting from her early days in the wilderness to her rise as the queen of Kishkindh. The narrative explores her struggles and triumphs, especially after the death of her husband, Bali, and the subsequent ascension of his brother, Sugriva, to the throne. Tara is portrayed as a wise and resilient stateswoman who navigates the complexities of royal politics and alliances with grace and intelligence.
The book has been praised for its rich storytelling and deep character development. Dasgupta’s portrayal of Tara is both empathetic and empowering, highlighting her strength and wisdom in a male-dominated world. The novel is a testament to Tara’s enduring legacy and her ability to shape her own destiny despite the challenges she faces.
In this novel, Dasgupta brings Tara’s journey to life, starting from her early days in the wilderness to her rise as the queen of Kishkindh. The narrative explores her struggles and triumphs, especially after the death of her husband, Bali, and the subsequent ascension of his brother, Sugriva, to the throne. Tara is portrayed as a wise and resilient stateswoman who navigates the complexities of royal politics and alliances with grace and intelligence.
The book has been praised for its rich storytelling and deep character development. Dasgupta’s portrayal of Tara is both empathetic and empowering, highlighting her strength and wisdom in a male-dominated world. The novel is a testament to Tara’s enduring legacy and her ability to shape her own destiny despite the challenges she faces.
September 11, 2024
"Tara" by Koral Dasgupta is a wonderful book about a strong woman from the Ramayan. We finally get to know her story, which was hidden for too long.
We see Tara grow up in a tough place, then become a queen who leads her kingdom with kindness and intelligence. She faces many problems, like being treated unfairly after her husband dies.
But Tara is brave and smart. She works hard to make her kingdom peaceful and safe. Her story inspires us to be strong like her.
I like that this book shows Tara as a real person, not just a character from a myth. The author writes in a simple way, making it easy to understand and relate to Tara.
This book is the last in a series that retells stories of women from mythology. It's a great ending to the series and a must-read for anyone who likes mythology, feminism, or a good story.
All-in-all, "Tara" is a great book that will stay with you after you finish reading it. It shows us that we can be strong and brave like Tara, even in tough times.
We see Tara grow up in a tough place, then become a queen who leads her kingdom with kindness and intelligence. She faces many problems, like being treated unfairly after her husband dies.
But Tara is brave and smart. She works hard to make her kingdom peaceful and safe. Her story inspires us to be strong like her.
I like that this book shows Tara as a real person, not just a character from a myth. The author writes in a simple way, making it easy to understand and relate to Tara.
This book is the last in a series that retells stories of women from mythology. It's a great ending to the series and a must-read for anyone who likes mythology, feminism, or a good story.
All-in-all, "Tara" is a great book that will stay with you after you finish reading it. It shows us that we can be strong and brave like Tara, even in tough times.
July 26, 2024
With another inspired character from Ramayana comes this riveting tale of Tara - the Queen of Kishkindha.
The author does a fine job of selectively picking the characters of history that yet remain a mystery to us, beyond some basic knowledge. Exploring the life of Tara from an unventured angle we discover so much about her inner strength and unwavering willingness to shape her destiny along with the kingdom into a vision.
When you read a book and your whole perception of a character changes, it means the author has worked wonders. The book felt so well researched & particularly the development of the characters (which even though I knew from the past, felt like a new version). I recommend this to readers who enjoy FMC with strong suits flavoured with ancient stories that remain evergreen with time.
Genre: Mythology
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
The author does a fine job of selectively picking the characters of history that yet remain a mystery to us, beyond some basic knowledge. Exploring the life of Tara from an unventured angle we discover so much about her inner strength and unwavering willingness to shape her destiny along with the kingdom into a vision.
When you read a book and your whole perception of a character changes, it means the author has worked wonders. The book felt so well researched & particularly the development of the characters (which even though I knew from the past, felt like a new version). I recommend this to readers who enjoy FMC with strong suits flavoured with ancient stories that remain evergreen with time.
Genre: Mythology
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
July 26, 2024
°°Tara by Koraldasgupta°°
It's been days since I picked a mythological retelling and this one grabbed my attention pretty well. Considering the fact that I know a lot of Indian mythological narratives, not knowing about Tara, came as a surprise.
Dasgupta has weaved the story so well with details of the animal kingdom and the intricacies of the forest life. The abundance, the calm and the serenity, all combined to grant a fulfilling life to its inhabitants. The 'vanars' were not humanised and the difference was presented clearly. The dilemma between the human and animal world and how the forests suffered in between brings back the environmental angle to the forefront again.
Reading 'Tara' invoked the many sentiments I wanted to feel after so long, it was a refreshing story for me. Although, I haven't read the first 4 books, I could grasp the elements needed to enjoy the narrative but I'm still pretty intrigued to read 'Ahalya'. It was funny how I realised while I was halfway through the book that the many references to ginger might be originating from the Hindi saying "बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद!" and that made me laugh out loud, but it felt wholesome throughout. Tara and Bali's bond was beautiful.
I hope you pick this one soon! Thank you @panmacmillanindia , @monochrromi and @koraldasgupta for the copy!!
Cover design by @misha.oberoi
This was my pick for the @tbb_box prompt "A book about Indian mythology" (21/52)
[Tara, Koraldasgupta, Indian mythology, the sati series]
#tara #trending #bookstagram
It's been days since I picked a mythological retelling and this one grabbed my attention pretty well. Considering the fact that I know a lot of Indian mythological narratives, not knowing about Tara, came as a surprise.
Dasgupta has weaved the story so well with details of the animal kingdom and the intricacies of the forest life. The abundance, the calm and the serenity, all combined to grant a fulfilling life to its inhabitants. The 'vanars' were not humanised and the difference was presented clearly. The dilemma between the human and animal world and how the forests suffered in between brings back the environmental angle to the forefront again.
Reading 'Tara' invoked the many sentiments I wanted to feel after so long, it was a refreshing story for me. Although, I haven't read the first 4 books, I could grasp the elements needed to enjoy the narrative but I'm still pretty intrigued to read 'Ahalya'. It was funny how I realised while I was halfway through the book that the many references to ginger might be originating from the Hindi saying "बंदर क्या जाने अदरक का स्वाद!" and that made me laugh out loud, but it felt wholesome throughout. Tara and Bali's bond was beautiful.
I hope you pick this one soon! Thank you @panmacmillanindia , @monochrromi and @koraldasgupta for the copy!!
Cover design by @misha.oberoi
This was my pick for the @tbb_box prompt "A book about Indian mythology" (21/52)
[Tara, Koraldasgupta, Indian mythology, the sati series]
#tara #trending #bookstagram
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