First, this book acknowledges that Sita needs to be liberated. And right at the outset, the book deserves appreciation for breaking the myth of the ideal image that Sita is used to project. The book thus is a refreshing take on Ramayana. Although the book presents Sita as the protagonist, I wish Surpanakha also found a mention in the title itself. She played a great role in liberating Sita from constraints that she had imposed on herself. It almost seems that Surpanakha was liberated before Sita. Post the eventful disrespect of Surpanakha, the abduction of Sita and subsequent demand that she prove her chastity, Surpanakha is shown to live a life on her own terms. Sita also has since then moved away from the kingdom but seems to be mentally stuck there. When she comes across Surpanakha, she becomes more confident and unapologetic in her own thoughts and feelings.
The book has a powerful narrative that may be used for critiquing mythology from a gender lens. I also wonder if the celebration of self respect in feminism will be exaggerated by some, and at some time to be reduced to ego wars that we hitherto see as masculine traits. Mythology is one of my favourite genres. Some of the books though are plain blah. This one is a treat. Please read.