On so many levels, reading the book from start to finish, it is exactly right. Somehow the combined efforts of both Yamuna Devi’s own words and Dinataini’s writing manages to be both beautiful and practical; mystical and historical. Yamuna truly lived an incredible life.

The book made Yamuna devi accessible and human in all the ways I remember her to be, whilst at the same time incredible beyond belief and a true Vaishnavi on an incredible spiritual path. An inspiration to followers of any path.

In practical terms the book creates a harmony that that balances the story of her, by her, and about her. Yet, it was less about Yamuna Devi and more about the passions she felt through her example. I found myself appreciating Srila Prabhupada her guru, and Radha Banabehari her deities, or the joy of japa and deity worship and the process of a devotional life through her at a deeply heart felt level.

There is a tangible story, the shared history of ISKCON for instance, or her achievements with an award for her cook book and her recording with George Harrison, but it is not written to critique or glorify, but rather to establish a platform to leap and inspire the future with an understanding of the past and how to overcome and achieve on the human spiritual path.

I read the books avidly and there is an excellent balance in the chapters between establishing something to remember and moving forward in the story. The inclusion of many more voices as the books progress augments the overall story and gives it great reach.