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This Kavita Kane’s novel is a must read for those who like reinterpretation of mythological characters. Like her previous ones here too the author has chosen a neglected female character, this time Satyavati

Starting from The Karna’s Wife: The Outcast Queen in 2013 Kavit Kane has written eight books so far. She has made a significant place herself by reinterpreting epics from the perspective of women who have been mostly neglected, case in point being Ravana’s sister Surpankha. As far as I know no other work has come on Surpankha keeping her as the main protagonist. Same applies to Menaka Apsara. Of course, like other writers who reinterpret epics Kavita Kane is also famous for adding her imagination like in the case of her first one. Nevertheless, she has engaged the viewers thoroughly with her writings.

Starting from Karna’s wife Kavita Kane has written eight books so far

As far I know no one else has written a book with Surpankha as the main protagonist

Coming to The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty the story traces the journey off Satyavati, from toiling away as a fisherwoman to becoming the wife of Shantanu. For those who don’t know Satyavati was the stepmother of Bhisma Pitamah. The story focuses on her ambitious nature and how her actions lead to a complex chain of events.

The characterization of Satyavati is in a way similar to Surpankha. Both the woman aren’t very likeable in terms of their actions but the readers don’t hate them completely either because of the psychological insight.

There is no denying that Satyavati is shrewd and cunning. In the process of securing the throne both for herself and the sons many lives are destroyed. However, beneath the shrewd demeanor there is also a broken woman. Due to the hardships faced from childhood she firmly believes that only power will get her respect. In order to maintain that power she keeps on making mistakes.

The equation between Bhisma and Satyavati also keeps the readers hooked. Bhism is the only person that Satyavati thrusts wholeheartedly, she constantly seeks him out. There are also hints of her having more than motherly affection when she gets jealous of Amba. There is an underlying animosity in the way Bhisma taunts Satyavati on certain occasions, but you also seen him admiring her inner strength.

Although The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty is primarily about Satyavati and Bhisma other characters also have their moments. Particularly mention must be of Amba a woman who desperately wants to marry Bhisma.

Overall, The Fisher Queen’s Dynasty is a wonderful exploration of Mahabharata from Satyavati’s perspective. As far as I know in simple English no other book has come on Satyavati as the main protagonist. Of course, the debate on what part of the book is imagination and how much is taken from the original text is never ending. But for those who like a mixture of both this is a must read.