Urmila is the silent knight in not so shiny an armor. While Ram and Sita decided to go on exile and find their destiny, Urmila chose to stay back, away from the love of her life just so she could be the glue to the broken family that was left behind in the palace. Kavita portrays Urmila as a practical, witty and most of all, a strong, independent women who in her own light is the hero of the story.
If I had to use a Jim Gordon reference from Batman, The Dark Knight, “Urmila is the hero Ramayan deserved, but not the one it needed at the time. So they let her endure. Because she could take it. Because she wasn’t their hero. She was a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight.”
Sita’s sister is a fresh take on Urmila’s life. Urmila comes across as a free willed, spirited individual who valued knowledge and saw life in its right light. This version of the story appealed to me far better than the popular one where it is said that Urmila had gone into a deep slumber for 14 long years so her husband and young prince Lakshmana could fulfill his purpose of serving his righteous elder brother, Ram.
In Ramayana, “Duty” plays the biggest part. Duty towards your parents, your teacher, and your society. Fierce and ever protective of her sister Sita, Urmila goes that extra mile and questions Ram about his duty towards Sita. This for some reason satisfied me simply because I had the same questions when the age-old myth was told a million times through a variety of perspectives and no one ever bothered asking the simple question, “If it was worth it all?”
I had often wondered what had happened on the other side of the story, in the palace once Sita, Ram and Lakshmana had gone off into exile. What did the other two brothers go through? How did the mothers of the four princes manage anything at all with their King long dead and their sons gone? This book has given me a look into the other side of the story and for that, I’m grateful.
What worked for me in the book was Kavita’s way of keeping things simple and not going the long way glorifying the legends. She treats each of her characters as simple humans that had to deal with human struggles and emotions.
I absolutely loved how Urmila or Mila as Lakshmana called her had the courage to deal with her situation with so much grace. Sita may be the ideal wife and the ideal daughter but Urmila is shown as the lioness who is ever so protective of her family. One cannot overlook the way in which the author has managed to let her readers get a deeper glimpse into the various emotions of Lakshmana which are often overlooked. Kavita portrays Lakshman as not just the dutiful brother but also a simple human who is vulnerable.
Another aspect that truly appealed was how Kavita had managed to give us a meaningful glimpse into the lives of the characters like Kaikeyi, Sumitra, Kousalya, Sunaina and Mandavi. These characters like that of Urmila are often neglected and very little is known of the kind of people they were. Kavita has shown how each of these women had constantly tried to stay dutiful and stood by their dharma in spite of their circumstances.
The book could have done with a more attractive cover and maybe some structuring. The time frames in the book revolve extremely fast for a few important events. I understand that this is a work of fiction and not much is said in the traditional works of Ramayana about Urmila which makes it difficult to portray. I was left wanting for more in a few parts of the book especially in the parts where the epic war between Ram and Ravan was happening. Very little has been spoken of the kind of turmoil that the family or Urmila in particular must have been subject to at the time. Also, the ending could have been better and when I say this, I wasn’t expecting a happily ever after. Maybe, I just wanted an ending that genuinely satisfied me, good or bad. The ending was too abrupt for me to realize I was done with the book.
Ramayana is one of those stories that is re told in numerous ways and from innumerable perspectives. You cannot expect a different narrative or any major twist from the traditional tale. This book however, gives you a convincing new perspective. It is a good read and will not disappoint you.
Final Verdict: I have 3 words for the book and the lead character “Bold and Beautiful”

Sita's Sister
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©2014 Kavita Kané (P)2016 Audible, Inc.
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Product details
Listening Length | 11 hours and 34 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Kavita Kane |
Narrator | Hina Baxi |
Audible.in Release Date | 01 January 2017 |
Publisher | Audible Studios |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B01N7K5DMA |
Best Sellers Rank |
#1,084 in Audible Audiobooks & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Audiobooks & Originals)
#10 in Fairy Tale Fantasy #67 in Literary Fiction #413 in Myths, Legends & Sagas |
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Reviewed in India on 13 February 2017
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25 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in India on 7 June 2018
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ever since I have started reading Kavita Kane’s books, I have become a fan of hers. it has been a lot many times that I have referred to sita’s sister in my writings for it is such an amazing book- as it was told to me by my other reviewer friends- but never had I read it. but finally the day has come and I have completed reading it.
mythology is a critical subject and more critical is it’s retelling as if you do not know the tale properly and cannot narrate it in a gripping way then the reader would not find it interesting. I feel it is just a cup of tea for Kavita Kane for retelling mythology.
the book is the story of Urmila and along-side Lakshmana-maybe somehow, he is also given some more importance- told in a new twisted and poetic way. the book focuses on lesser-known characters like Manthara- the woman who conspired against rama, Aswapati- the father of kaikeyi, Bharata and Mandvi- the son and daughter-in-law of kaikeyi, Kaikeyi- the second and favourite wife of Dasaratha and finally the most beautiful of all Urmila, herself.
the best part of the book is its beauty in language and gripping narrative. I felt that the beauty of the language and strong vocabulary of Kavita mam makes the book, truly a “masterpiece”. one cannot put down the book if you have started once. although the book is of 300 pages, you would at least two days if you are a fast reader- for completing the book, for you need to understand each line along with its difficult words.
for the narration, it is just mind-boggling. the way she captures each character and emotions in her pen would leave you enthralled.
the book is a fiction and it totally stands for its genre. you would read new tales like the secret of Kaikeyi and how she makes rama go into the forest just for killing Ravana, the story of Urmila not sleeping for 14 years but rather acting as an uniter of the family and the one who handles the situation and turmoil very well.
another perk of the book is its philosophy. you would see a lot of beautiful ideas of philosophy hidden within tales. the way the fights are metaphorised- the most beautiful of which is when Ravana is unable to pick up the Shiva Dhanush, and the other scenes are explained truly captures the full attention of the reader.
the ending is just mesmerising, the way the author makes it a conclusive one by explaining how Urmila had faced the fiercest pangs of separation unlike sita- who had her husband with her and unlike the twins Mandvi and Kirti who had their husbands with them may be far but still close makes it hit the right note.
the book shows two phases of Urmila, the first as a daughter and scholar- the scenes are when she goes to the brahmayagna of her father as an independent scholar and even as a daughter when she laughs, giggles and cracks some jokes. the second is the rebellious part, in which she debates with Kashyap for her rights to speak in front of men and others. the book totally is a worth reading. and if you have not read it, it is totally your huge loss.
overall the book is in simple words a “masterpiece”. a perfect tapestry of myth and imagination.
imaginative. intrigue. intense.
I would recommend the book to all the mythology lovers and to everyone who loves fiction and I am sure they would love the gripping story.
mythology is a critical subject and more critical is it’s retelling as if you do not know the tale properly and cannot narrate it in a gripping way then the reader would not find it interesting. I feel it is just a cup of tea for Kavita Kane for retelling mythology.
the book is the story of Urmila and along-side Lakshmana-maybe somehow, he is also given some more importance- told in a new twisted and poetic way. the book focuses on lesser-known characters like Manthara- the woman who conspired against rama, Aswapati- the father of kaikeyi, Bharata and Mandvi- the son and daughter-in-law of kaikeyi, Kaikeyi- the second and favourite wife of Dasaratha and finally the most beautiful of all Urmila, herself.
the best part of the book is its beauty in language and gripping narrative. I felt that the beauty of the language and strong vocabulary of Kavita mam makes the book, truly a “masterpiece”. one cannot put down the book if you have started once. although the book is of 300 pages, you would at least two days if you are a fast reader- for completing the book, for you need to understand each line along with its difficult words.
for the narration, it is just mind-boggling. the way she captures each character and emotions in her pen would leave you enthralled.
the book is a fiction and it totally stands for its genre. you would read new tales like the secret of Kaikeyi and how she makes rama go into the forest just for killing Ravana, the story of Urmila not sleeping for 14 years but rather acting as an uniter of the family and the one who handles the situation and turmoil very well.
another perk of the book is its philosophy. you would see a lot of beautiful ideas of philosophy hidden within tales. the way the fights are metaphorised- the most beautiful of which is when Ravana is unable to pick up the Shiva Dhanush, and the other scenes are explained truly captures the full attention of the reader.
the ending is just mesmerising, the way the author makes it a conclusive one by explaining how Urmila had faced the fiercest pangs of separation unlike sita- who had her husband with her and unlike the twins Mandvi and Kirti who had their husbands with them may be far but still close makes it hit the right note.
the book shows two phases of Urmila, the first as a daughter and scholar- the scenes are when she goes to the brahmayagna of her father as an independent scholar and even as a daughter when she laughs, giggles and cracks some jokes. the second is the rebellious part, in which she debates with Kashyap for her rights to speak in front of men and others. the book totally is a worth reading. and if you have not read it, it is totally your huge loss.
overall the book is in simple words a “masterpiece”. a perfect tapestry of myth and imagination.
imaginative. intrigue. intense.
I would recommend the book to all the mythology lovers and to everyone who loves fiction and I am sure they would love the gripping story.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in India on 19 October 2019
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I am a huge fan of the author Kavita Kane! Her books are always from the perspective of female characters of our epics who are generally taken for granted and only find a fleeting mention but have actually played important roles..
This time around the author brings to life the character of URMILA-Laxman's wife and Sita's sister. One of the best books in mythology in terms of writing style, language and content. We just flow with the character and are able to connect with her at every step and yes! It makes for a truly fascinating and memorable journey!
This time around the author brings to life the character of URMILA-Laxman's wife and Sita's sister. One of the best books in mythology in terms of writing style, language and content. We just flow with the character and are able to connect with her at every step and yes! It makes for a truly fascinating and memorable journey!
Top reviews from other countries

Archie
5.0 out of 5 stars
An exemplary read.
Reviewed in the United States on 18 September 2016Verified Purchase
Ramayan - it is said - is the tale of "perfect" people. The perfect dynasties, the perfect king, the perfect son, the perfect brother, the perfect wife even the perfect villian. Yet there is such incongruence in the fate of the women in the epic one can't help but wonder why scriptures bypass it all. Urmila is one such woman in the epic who always stood apart as someone who made a supreme sacrifice and was never given her due. To read this story in her voice and to have the author draw out her "years of exile" in such depth and color was an experience of a lifetime. It's my first read of any of the authors works but won't be the last for sure! I'm hooked for life!
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mindblowing
Reviewed in the United States on 18 December 2018Verified Purchase
I just couldn't put down this novel. I finally for to see this great epic which is my heart and soul through the eyes of one of my favourite characters, Urmilla. I cried while reading about her suffering. I also cried when reading about Kakeiyi's sacrifice. I'm becoming a very big fan of this author,having also read Lanka's Princess. I can't wait to read her other two novels.

Priya
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on 23 May 2015Verified Purchase
Very descriptive and well written. Could not put the book down once I started reading. Beautiful book about the thoughts and emotions that must've run through one of the most overlooked characters in the Ramayana during the exile of her husband and her sister. Urmila was truly a great personality and this book perfectly captures her essence. Must read for all fans of Ramayana!
One person found this helpful
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gr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on 4 April 2016Verified Purchase
Worth the time....I could not put the book down. Urmila is certainly an unsung heroine of Ramayana. Thank u Me. Kane

Prasannakshi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 18 February 2016Verified Purchase
Nice that one could visualize urmila point of view n describe the ramayanam..
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