HarperCollins India is proud to announce the
publication of
THE FOREST
OF ENCHANTMENTS
by
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Releasing January
2019
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!’
A
moving meditation on love in its many forms, The Forest of Enchantments
proves once again why Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni remains an unparalleled
storyteller.
Chitra
Banerjee Divakaruni is an
award-winning and bestselling author, poet, activist and teacher of writing.
Her work has been published widely, in magazines and anthologies, and her books
have been translated into twenty-nine languages. Several of her works have been
made into films and plays.
Praise
for the book:
‘Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni turns the Ramayana around by telling it in
the voice of Sita … this inversion is a gift—it presents us with a way to know
an already well-known story better and to love an already beloved story
more.’
—ARSHIA SATTAR
‘This inspired evocation of the goddess Sita is an epic song of strength
and solidarity told with joy and intensity. It brings to life the personalities
and predicaments of the Ramayana.’
—NAMITA GOKHALE
‘Among the many, many Ramayanas, there are now even—thankfully—some
“Sitayanas”, but I know of none with the special magic that Chitra Divakaruni …
brings to the telling.’
—PHILIP LUTGENDORF
‘Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Sita … is an epitome of courage and
self-respect, showing a path for all women. While weaving a familiar story,
Chitra provides deep and surprising insights.’
—VOLGA
‘An incomparable storyteller.’
—THE DENVER POST
‘Divakaruni’s stories are irresistible.’
—THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
‘Divakaruni’s storytelling talents put her right up there with the best.’
—MIAMI HERALD
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