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The Forest of Enchantments

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The Forest of Enchantments

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Narrated by: Suchitra Pillai
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About this listen

The Ramayana, one of the world's greatest epics, is also a tragic love story. In this brilliant retelling, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni places Sita at the centre of the novel: this is Sita's version. The Forest of Enchantments is also a very human story of some of the other women in the epic, often misunderstood and relegated to the margins: Kaikeyi, Surpanakha, Mandodari. A powerful comment on duty, betrayal, infidelity and honour, it is also about women's struggle to retain autonomy in a world that privileges men, as Chitra transforms an ancient story into a gripping, contemporary battle of wills. While the Ramayana resonates even today, she makes it more relevant than ever, in the underlying questions in the novel: How should women be treated by their loved ones? What are their rights in a relationship? When does a woman need to stand up and say, 'Enough!'

©2019 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (P)2019 Audible, Inc. Classics Fiction Historical Fiction World Literature
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Very beautiful narration. Made the story easier to listen to as the writing itself could be repetitive at times. However, I grew very attached to the character of Sita and by the end I was genuinely sorry that the story had to end. Even though it was Sita’s story, I still felt like her entire arc revolves around Ram Ram Ram constantly. What about her interests outside of Ram? The writer spends a lot of time in the beginning emphasising Sita’s talent for herbal treatments and that never plays a significant part in the story in any way. I’m a bit disappointed at the angle this story went for. It promises a feminist re-telling but seems to justify a lot of patriarchal customs and choices made by the male characters. It was a good story in many ways but was still missing that streak of female resistance and empowerment that I was looking for.

Beautifully narrated

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It's beautifully written. Fascinating to hear queen Sita's thoughts. So real, so human. How she talks of various aspects of love is simply marvellous. Endure , doesn't mean to give up - but to move on and triumph despite everything that hits you !!! Mesmerised . Love the audio voice and pace .

Life lessons

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I felt transported into a magical world...the characters are brought to life, their emotions human and relatable.

Epic retelling of Ramayana

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I would recommend this for reads of all walks of life as it has great teachings for struggles and stuffing that one endures for the greater good.

I’ve added this tittle to my favourites🥰🤗

The Forest of Enchantment

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Loved hearing Sita’s point of view, which was always missing. This is a beautifully written story by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni… and wonderfully performed by Suchitra Pillai. Mesmerizing and deeply moving. Thank you!

Magnificent retelling of Ramayana

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