This is the first book I've been honored with recieving an ARC and let me just say, I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this. This book is out of my normal wheelhouse and one I would not ordinarily pick up. After adjusting to the back & forth, erratic writing style, I was submerged into an education in Hindu religion. In the beginning, the plethora of explanations of the culture and stories was overwhelming. I found it difficult to adjust to following the writer's many trains of thought. All of that being said, I could not put this book down. I burned through it in 2 days and it has left a lasting impression that will haunt me for many days to come. This book was so thought provoking. Poignant. I was eager to gobble up all of the knowledge being fed to me. A look into the unknown world of child deities/reincarnations. A peak into androgyny and the challenges thereof. A glimpse of abuse and mental disorders. There was so much in this story that left me sad and speechless yet introspective. It has encouraged an awareness that I hadn't given any prior thought to and a deep reflection into my own faith and that of others.

I really enjoyed getting to know the main character. It was deep and thought provoking. I'll be thinking about it for quite some time.

This is not a genre I would normally read, but I am trying to be more varied in my subject matter and this apealed from the description.

The story covers religion, sexuality, deception and finding yourself. I found the story flowed and the characters, although not always ones I liked, to be well developed. I was intrigued to see how Kalki developed throughout the story and his self awareness grew. His interaction with the people he encountered at the ashram and beyond impacting on his destiny was at times sad and heartfelt.

I know very little about Hinduism but this has left me wanting to know more. The author comes across as very knowledgeable without being fanatical. I am interested to read her previous novel and would definitely recommend this

This is an incredibly lush and rich exploration of faith, identity, family, and what happens when the worlds we live in shatter and transform. The characters are compelling and the prose has a beautiful sureness to it. This is one I couldn't put down and that I'll be thinking about for a long time.