In this reimagining of the Mahabharata — an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of a dynastic struggle for power and the war that follows — Vaishnavi Patel turns her focus to Ganga, the river goddess known for her power, grace, and sorrow. Cursed to live as a mortal until she fulfills a painful duty, Ganga marries King Shantanu and soon faces an impossible choice that tears her from her infant son. That son, Devavrata, grows up to become Bhishma – a legendary warrior whose vow of celibacy shapes the course of history. Through intertwining narratives, Patel explores the tragic consequences of promises made in love and sacrifice, following mother and son as they drift apart and return to each other, time and time again, against the backdrop of a kingdom on the brink of ruin.
Patel’s writing is lush and poetic, grounding the mythological scale of the story in human emotions. Ganga’s voice is by turns fierce, tender, and sorrowful as she wrestles with the limits of both divinity and motherhood. Her transformation from a carefree goddess to a woman burdened by grief and duty is portrayed with nuance and empathy, offering a fresh and powerful perspective on a figure often sidelined in traditional versions of the story.
The novel also shines in its portrayal of Devavrata, whose journey from devoted son to tragic hero is both epic and intimate. Patel explores themes of generational trauma, loyalty, and the cost of duty expertly, never losing sight of the emotional core of the story. While the plot follows the myth's broad strokes, it’s the internal conflicts – the quiet heartbreaks and impossible choices – that give the novel its weight.
Goddess of the River is an unforgettable tale that reclaims a legendary story through the eyes of a mother, illuminating the strength at its heart.
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