A retelling of the timeless Indian epic, the Mahabharata -- with a modern twist.
The Palace of Illusions takes us back to a time that is half-history, half-myth, and wholly magical; narrated by Panchaali, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, we are -- finally -- given a woman's take on the timeless tale that is the Mahabharata.
Tracing Panchaali's life -- from fiery birth and lonely childhood, where her beloved brother is her only true companion; through her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna; to marriage, motherhood and Panchaali's secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands' most dangerous enemy -- The Palace of Illusions is a deeply human novel about a woman born into a man's world -- a world of warriors, gods and the ever manipulating hands of fate.
‘A mythic tale brimming with warriors, magic and treachery’ Los Angeles Times
‘A radiant entree into an ancient mythology . . . Charming and remarkable’ Houston Chronicle
‘A woman’s look at crime and punishment, loyalty, promises, love and vengeance . . . With The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni has proven that her storytelling talents put her right up there with the best’ Miami Herald
INDIAreads Review
"...With Palace of Illusions, for the first time perhaps, Divakaruni sets off to explore the feelings, the inner turmoil, the actions and reactions of the woman who was born “to change the course of history.” How heavy was the responsibility? How dreadful the knowledge?What kind of insecurities did one who knew the moment she stepped out of the magic fire that she was unwanted, grow up with? What were the fears of a young girl who knew that the only person who loved her – her brother -was born as an instrument of revenge, a revenge that he did not seek and that would probably kill him? Divakaruni’s Draupadi makes the reader realise that she was not just an intrument of destruction; a temperamental, egoistical queen who goaded her husbands into revenge thereby unleashing great destruction. She was perhaps a normal human trying to cope with the role that history and her unfathomable friend Krishna, had assigned her. Her fears, her insecurities, her bursts of temper, her love for her brother, her unrequited love for Karna (yes, surprise surprise)- all make her distinctly human and real. Therein lies Divakaruni’s strength. She brings reality to a completely mythical setting. ...."
Read the complete review @ http://blogs.indiareads.com/views-and-reviews/palace-of-illusions-by-chi...