The Palace of Illusions
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Language: English
Genre: Historical Fiction
Traits: Mythical, Feminist, Epic
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"The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a mesmerizing reimagining of the Indian epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, a central yet often overlooked character in traditional retellings. This novel stands out for its lyrical prose and its powerful, empathetic portrayal of a woman navigating the intricacies of power, love, and fate in a patriarchal society.
While Draupadi has always been portrayed as a victim by all the accounts of Mahabharata I’ve heard and read, in this book Draupadi is anything but victim. She is shown as fiercely independent woman who is not afraid to stand for herself or to ask questions. She is shown as a rebellious woman who wants to take her destiny in her own hands.
The blending of myth and history, while skillfully done, might leave some readers feeling lost if they are not already familiar with the Mahabharata. The novel assumes a certain level of prior knowledge about the epic, and those without it might struggle to fully grasp the significance of certain events and characters.
"The Palace of Illusions" is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, feminist literature, or simply a beautifully told tale of a woman's quest for identity and purpose in a tumultuous world.
R/W ratings: 9/ 10
Goodreads ratings: 4.2/5
(As on date of publishing the post)
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