Description
“The Palace of Illusions” is a novel written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, an acclaimed Indian-American author. Published in 2008, the book is a retelling of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of the female protagonist, Draupadi.
The Mahabharata is a sprawling epic that tells the story of the conflict between two sets of cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and the great Kurukshetra War that ensues. Draupadi is a central character in this epic, known for her exceptional beauty and strength. In “The Palace of Illusions,” Divakaruni offers a fresh and feminist perspective on Draupadi’s life, bringing her voice to the forefront.
Through Draupadi’s narration, the novel explores her childhood, her complex relationship with her brother, the manipulation and sway she holds over the five Pandava brothers, her marriage to them, and the events leading up to the great war. Divakaruni delves into Draupadi’s emotions, desires, and struggles, shedding light on her experiences and the societal constraints she faces as a woman in ancient India.
“The Palace of Illusions” not only delves into Draupadi’s personal journey but also delves into the larger themes of power, duty, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s choices. Divakaruni’s prose is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the ancient Indian world and its vibrant characters.
The novel offers a unique perspective on the Mahabharata, presenting a narrative that is both familiar and refreshing. It explores the complexities of human relationships, the role of women in society, and the enduring relevance of ancient epics in contemporary times.
“The Palace of Illusions” has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and nuanced characterization. It resonates with readers who appreciate reimagined myths and legends, as well as those interested in women’s voices and perspectives in literature.
Overall, “The Palace of Illusions” is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that brings Draupadi’s story to the forefront. Divakaruni’s retelling offers a powerful exploration of identity, agency, and the timeless themes found within ancient epics.
Pratik Saha (Verified Purchase)
I love the idea underpinning this novel: to retell part of the Mahabharat from the perspective of one of the women (specifically Panchaali). Indeed my greatest delight in this book was the insight it provided into the Mahabharat, a work that was already on my reading list, and is now considerably higher on that list.
Pravakar Das (Verified Purchase)
A well written book of the Mahabharata that bringgs back all the accumulated memories of this wonderful tale and adds new points of view.It leaves one again amazed at the breadth and detail of this story. Being an Indian matters as this story or at least some parts of it are part of the fiber that makes most of us Indian.
Jeevan Ranjan (Verified Purchase)
Not a historically accurate book. Most is made up garbage by another leftist.
Rehana Khan (Verified Purchase)
This book is written from the view of Draupati. Being married to 5 men she has narrated her feelings her joys and sorrows very well. One thing which I felt as a disadvantage of this book is, this book has so many new words which is difficult for beginners like me. Other than that it’s an epic.
SOUMYADEEP MODAK (Verified Purchase)
I have to say, this is quite a novel. There are magical weapons, conflict, lust, jealousy, anger, but also heroism, justice, and most of all, love. While I was already familiar with the story, there were enough new elements there to keep the tale fresh and revealing. And Draupadi is quite different than just about any other princess in literature