Review: A Self Discovering Journey
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 10, 2013
To quote Mohana Rajkumar, "The Unlikely Goddess is the sixth Ebook released by the author, but strangely enough, happens to be the first one she penned."In Hindu religious mythology, Sita, also known as Mythili, was the adopted daughter of King Janak. As the wife of the Ideal Human - Prince Ram, she embarks on a journey of sacrifices and battles for social acceptance. She is venerated in India for many reasons; reasons that raise the hackles of feminists and can be summed up in these words - a pure woman who sacrifices and compromises without complaints.Sita and Mythili are apt names for the mother-daughter pair in this coming of age story. Their journey is no less intriguing and painful as they battle neglect and prejudice from others and struggle with mixed feelings for each other.Their beginnings couldn't be more different. Sita began her life as an unwanted first child and spent it in relative poverty, while her mother was doted on by her family and grew up in the lap of luxury.Mythili`s marriage to a domineering  and egoistical man sees her withdrawing into a world of her own. Their migration to the U.S in pursuit of the great American dream ends in a struggle to make ends meet. Sita discovers the need to adapt and adjust to the alien culture at a young age.She manages to break free from the clutches of a dysfunctional family but the journey is fraught with emotional upheavals. Sita emerges as a strong character as she bravely faces prejudice both on the home front and the outside world.Brad, a deeply religious high school mate, is her support system. He introduces her to a new religion and a new way of life. He starts off an endearing character but ends up as a disappointment. Despite the heartbreaks in her life, young Sita manages to pick up the pieces and move on, aided by an intense and passionate faith that borders on naivety.This was a difficult book to read for a few reasons. For one; it shattered the illusion of successful and happy South Asian American families. The cultural references and situations hit home as the story's initial focus is on the Tamil community. Sita's attempts to carve an identity for herself resonated with me.As one of author's beta readers, I had the pleasure of reading the book twice; the pre-publication avatar and the revised version.Mohana has done a commendable job in creating a near accurate picture of a traditional section of the society. She shows her characters in their true colours, often stripped of all outward trappings.Now for the pet gripes:The men in the book are either unyielding and stubborn or too good to be true. The women, on the other hand, have more depth. I sympathized with some of them ,commiserated with a few more, and disliked a couple of characters. The story takes it time to pull you in and tends to drag in a few places. Some scenes are familiar enough that you don't have to be an Indian or American to relate to them. Some made me cringe and some had me wondering if Sita would find her version of happiness.The last few chapters were a pleasant surprise and while I still can't accept her father's change of heart, I enjoyed the narration and overall progression.The writing is uniquely Mohana, something I enjoy and look forward to. This isn't your typical romantic or family setting. A patient and willing reader will enjoy this book.Don't read it when you are sad, it may give you hope for the future. Don't read when you are happy, it may make you feel happier. Just read it - from one woman to another.