I have read many books in the 16 years I have been alive. However, no book has fulfilled me more than Roshani Chokshi’s extraordinary book The Star-Touched Queen. The Star-Touched Queen is a book written in magnificent prose, which retells the story of Hades and Persephone with Hindu mythology. It has been nominated for an award and has been reviewed positively by many. The Star-Touched Queen is an excellent fairytale story for those who are tired of the same Disney-esque fantasy stories with no diversity. Set in ancient India, The Star-Touched Queen revolves around Princess Mayavati of Bharata. Ever since her birth, she was considered bad luck because of where the stars aligned in her horoscope.
Then, seventeen years later, around her 17th …show more content…
Most have all white characters, or at least white main characters. So, when I found out that this takes place in India with all Indian characters I was delighted. The characters were written by a half-Indian writer, so, they were portrayed perfectly.
Furthermore, the main character is a strong independent female who knew what she wanted to achieve and knew how to achieve it herself. She also had flaws, like jumping to conclusions without any evidence; this showed her naivety. Maya is a character I can relate to unlike other characters because she is South Asian and has flaws, like a real person. Young girls need role models like her to identify with so they can achieve greatness, too.
The romance in The Star-Touched Queen was very refreshing as well. It gets tiring and exhausting to read about love triangles over and over again. So, to have only one love interest, Amar, was charismatic. Usually, the male love interest is questionable, especially the “tall, dark, and handsome” type. However, Amar overcomes that and is very likeable. He is what a love interest should be. Amar is kind, supportive and trusting. He is understanding of her situation and gives her a voice of power, which she never had before. He made sure that Maya knew she is his equal. Overall, their relationship is very
Then, seventeen years later, around her 17th …show more content…
Most have all white characters, or at least white main characters. So, when I found out that this takes place in India with all Indian characters I was delighted. The characters were written by a half-Indian writer, so, they were portrayed perfectly.
Furthermore, the main character is a strong independent female who knew what she wanted to achieve and knew how to achieve it herself. She also had flaws, like jumping to conclusions without any evidence; this showed her naivety. Maya is a character I can relate to unlike other characters because she is South Asian and has flaws, like a real person. Young girls need role models like her to identify with so they can achieve greatness, too.
The romance in The Star-Touched Queen was very refreshing as well. It gets tiring and exhausting to read about love triangles over and over again. So, to have only one love interest, Amar, was charismatic. Usually, the male love interest is questionable, especially the “tall, dark, and handsome” type. However, Amar overcomes that and is very likeable. He is what a love interest should be. Amar is kind, supportive and trusting. He is understanding of her situation and gives her a voice of power, which she never had before. He made sure that Maya knew she is his equal. Overall, their relationship is very