Boons & Curses (Legends of the Mythological Mother)

She was the strongest among the women of her Age, never cried in public or private... But, that evening, even she had accepted defeat.

It is said that Kunti fulfilled her desires and ambitions through her sons, the Pandavas, resulting in the bloodbath in Kurukshetra. And once the truth struck her she sought help from Krishna to get rid of her guilt. Krishna became Kunti's moral guardian, a conversation began, from which emerged fascinating tales of women in mythology.

In this brilliant retelling, Kunti is placed at the centre of the novel and running parallel to her universe are the stories of Aditi and Diti, the primordial mothers, the rebellious Soorpanakha, the independent Sanjana and Tara, trendsetters such as Anusuya, intrigues of Kaikeyee and Kaikasi, the helpless Gandhari, the self-sacrificing Devaki and the selfless Yashoda. These are the stories of resolve, exploits, revenge, sacrifice and affection—taken together they give us a deeper understanding of the legendary women in India.