"The Vishakanya's choice" by Roshini Chokshi - What's it?
This e-book is published in 2015 by Book Smugglers Publishing and has 31 pages. It's a single short story.
As the title suggests, it's the story of Sudha who is a Vishakanya. It's Hastinapur of old times. She is tasked to assassinate Alexander the great.
Will she succeed? What's her choice?
Author has chosen a time period of history and added a dash of mythology to enhance the mysticism of this short story. So there are Rakshas, Gandharvas, a metallic Makara etc. Alexander sits on the Throne of Bones of those he killed. Rule and Choice are tangible things, not concepts.
The real issue is what is Vishakanya? Is she a weapon or a human? Does she have feelings and desires? How is she treated? What is Vishakanya's choice?
Cover of this book is drawn by a Filipina artist, M Sereno. The cover is detailed and abstract at the same time. Apart from the lack of ornamentation of Vishakanya, it looks mysterious.
It's a short story written by author before her first novel was published.
Why did I read this book? Quick read.
What I didn't like? Length.
What did I like? Blend of history and mythology.
Decent quick read.
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