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.
Preeti kujur (Verified Purchase)
A different lens for looking at the Mahabharata. Loved the nuances and shades of characters.
Anjaan Kumar (Verified Purchase)
I loved it. The story has been woven so intricately that it will keep you engaged till the end. Have already ordered another book written by the author. Can’t wait.
Manas Dinda (Verified Purchase)
The author gives us the story of the Mahabharatha, an Indian epic, from a woman’s perspective. The book is immensely readable, especially as the style is smooth and flowing. However, for those not familiar with this epic, the names of the characters may appear hard and difficult to remember. It is an excellent read, and I strongly recommend it to all those who want to remember or re-read this epic and have some idea of the story.
Avik Saha (Verified Purchase)
The narrative is compact and it does not allow the original Mahabharata to overwhelm it. I found myself going back to the original epic to refer the incidents. In all it was a great read.
Shreyan Panda (Verified Purchase)
I have read Mahabharata books earlier .this tale from draupadi’ s perspective is quite nice.i hv read yagyaseni and that’s my personal favorite but this book also talks to you.i received it excellent condition