Rani Padmavati: The Burning Queen | Anuja Chandramouli | Book Review

PLOT: 4/5
CHARACTERS: 4/5
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
CLIMAX: 3.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 4/5

My Musings

The recent days have seen a hot debate ripening between the various stakeholders in the Padmavati game. Yes, I am talking only about the movie and nothing else.

In such a backdrop, with the battle between the two sides dragging on infinitely, there is a piqued interest in the legend of Rani Padmavati and her story.

I too am not immune to this, and hence it was with great interest that I sat down to read the story of this famed queen of my clan.

What is the book about? Is this the real story?

The book, “Rani Padmavati: The Burning Queen” is a historical fiction novel based on the legend of the famous Queen.

The thing about historical fictions is that you can never tell to what extent the story states or reflects the truth, and thus, let’s just assume that the publishers are right to correctly classifying the book as fiction.

Is the plot good? Is the story compelling?

The plot of the book is interesting. Apart from following the story of the main characters, it also keeps track of the various happenings in the then Indian sub-continent.

The various subplots cover other happenings in the other princely kingdoms and the events in Delhi.

Who are the main characters and how are they?

The main characters are definitely Rani Padmavati and her husband Rawal Ratan Singh.

Though Alauddin Khilji is another prominent character, he remains so behind the scenes. His presence is more felt than seen.

Both the Rani and her husband are fiercely loyal and inspiring personas, the likes of which are no more found in this land.

The author’s writing style

I liked the way the author’s overzealous imagination transforms words into scenes. The descriptions, setting, and narration are all so lively, that it is as good as watching a movie. 

Anuja has a way with words and her language is rich and poetic. Some particular sequences like where Padmavati hallucinates are written very beautifully.

Was the climax good?

Though the story is indeed a captivating one, I would have loved it if the climax of the book was a little more interesting.

In the end, the story takes a gloomy turn. The last scene does help when the deserving side wins the battle of happiness but apart from that, the climax appeared lacklustre to me.

Final Verdict

Overall, “Rani Padmavati: The Burning Queen” is a great read. I would surely and quite enthusiastically recommend it to all my readers.

There is a great story being told here which is as entertaining as it is inspiring. At least, lovers of historical fiction should not miss it.

Pick the book if

• You like historical fiction books
• The legend of Rani Padmavati interests you
• You like short reads with fluid and rich prose

Skip the book if

• You don’t enjoy emotional reads
• The only thing you are expecting from the book is history and pure action

Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy at the link below!

Watch the YouTube review below: