The book is in the form of a play. The story is that Vasavadatta who was the Queen of Vastas is thought to have died in a fire together with the chief minister of the kingdom. The death of the two was a lie that was intended to obscure the and rattle the enemies of the King of Vastas whose name was Udayana. The king himself did not know that the death of his beloved wife was a hoax. He completely believed it and went on to marry a second wife, Padmavatti. In the last act of the play, the king is reconciled with his wife Vasavadatta and his chief minister Yaugandarayana.
The play bring out various themes and motifs. These are religion and its importance to the characters, the institution of marriage, the value of friendship, hospitality and kindness.
The marriage between the king and his first wife Vasavadatta was built on love and friendship. This is seen by the actions of the two when they are apart. They both mourn each other and their separation which is not easy on the two of them. During their separation the king finds it hard to move on because he still has very deep feelings for his wife and friend Vasavadatta. It is revealed that when they were together, Vasavadatta would play the lute for the king, she was his confidant and they bonded over intimacy.
Hospitality is also an important aspect that is brought out in the novel. The characters are very hospitable to their guests and shun those hosts that are not hospitable. In the first chapter, Vasavadatta, Yaugandarayana and Padmavatti are at a hermitage where they receive a guest who is a student of theology. They do not know him but they receive him warmly.
The aspect of the value of friendship is also key in the novel. The friendships between the King Udayana and his ministers such as Yaugandarayana and the friendship between Padmavatti and Vasavadatta. These friendships are built on love and respect and the parties help each other, console each other in times of trouble and advice each other.
