Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian was such a compelling and well thought out read. I was engrossed in the story right from the start and found the writing to be so beautiful yet so raw and honest. It felt like very personal storytelling and I think this will be a must read for a lot of readers.

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of GODDESS COMPLEX by Sanjena Sathian in a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and happy Halloween season!

In this captivating and introspective narrative, Sanjana Satyananda’s journey is a literal and metaphorical quest for resolution and identity. The book beautifully balances themes of personal growth, regret, and the societal expectations surrounding motherhood, marriage, and the conventional life path.

The protagonist, Sanjana, is brilliantly flawed and deeply relatable. A year after leaving her actor husband, Killian, she finds herself at a crossroads. Living in the shadow of her "perfect" sister while juggling the pressures of her crumbling anthropology dissertation, she embodies the struggle of those who feel left behind by their peers who have seemingly followed the prescribed life script of family, career, and stability. The tension between Sanjana’s academic aspirations and her unresolved marital issues adds a layer of complexity to her character, making her internal struggles all the more poignant.

The mystery of Killian’s disappearance drives the plot forward, blending elements of suspense with existential reflection. As Sanjana embarks on a search to find him, she’s haunted by strange and unsettling phone calls from women seeking her advice on pregnancy—a surreal touch that adds to the book's psychological depth. The novel explores the consequences of life’s major decisions, particularly those involving parenthood, and what it means to choose one path over another.

What truly stands out is the clever and hauntingly vivid depiction of the “road not taken.” Through strange and symbolic encounters, Sanjana confronts the life she might have led, one filled with the joys and burdens of motherhood, which challenges her to re-examine her values and desires. This speculative aspect of the novel adds a layer of intrigue and serves as a striking metaphor for the uncertainty we all face when wondering "what if."

Overall, this is a thoughtful and compelling exploration of identity, choice, and the often-unspoken pressures women face regarding fertility and the expectation of motherhood. The book will resonate with readers who enjoy a blend of psychological drama, mystery, and deeply personal storytelling, leaving them questioning the roads they’ve traveled and the ones they left behind.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.