Lifestyle

Book Review- The palace of illusions

Fiction- The palace of illusions

Here we are, back with another book review. This time we will share our views on The Palace of Illusions, historical fiction by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Let’s read Mahabharat from Panchali’s/ Draupadi’s perspective.

The Palace of Illusions: 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Published in: 2008

About the author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an Indian-American poet and author. She wrote award-winning novels and a few of her novels are adapted into films with many others in the line. The amazing lady author has published novels in multiple genres, including realistic fiction, magical realism, historical fiction, fantasy, and myth.

About the book: The palace of illusions is historical fiction and is an interpretation of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata from Draupadi’s(Panchali’s) perspective. The book speaks from the woman’s perspective, living in a patriarchal world.

Most of us have read Mahabharata, but the palace of illusion is narrated by Panchali, the wife of the legendary Pandavas brothers.

Book Review: The palace of illusions-

Fiction- Palace of illusions

The novel starts from her birth and talks about her friendship with lord Krishna, aspirations about her marriage, swayamwar, relationship with her mother-in-law, and much more. 

  1. Early stages: The novel starts with her childhood days, and the first chapter of the book, named, fire talks about her birth. The initial part talks about her bonding with the twin brother, father, dhai-ma, and her friend, Krishna.

She has always been a curious kid, though her curiosity was often not appreciated. Draupadi was born after her brother, Dhrishtadyumna, and would be responsible for changing the course of history. Her bond with Krishna is special. The book talks about her insecurity about being a dark-skinned princess. At the age of 14, she asked Krishna if a dark-skinned princess is capable of changing history. To which Krishna replied- 

A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so. And often others see you as you see yourself.

The novel mentions how she dealt with her insecurities and became confident. She was discouraged from attending Dhri’s (her brother’s) lessons. However, Lord Krishna insisted that prophecy at her birth requires such education for her. Many complained about her for being argumentative and having manlike speech. She met sage Vyasa and he shared a few pieces about her marriage and future.

2. Marriage: Son of Indra, Arjun won Draupadi in her swyamwar. Karna tried participating and the novel also talks about Draupadi’s and Karna’s encounters. She started her married life with Arjun, but soon after the marriage, because of her mother-in-law, she became a wife to all five Pandavas. Story shares about her longing for love and how Pandavas had a second marriage. However, their wives were not allowed in the palace but Arjun’s wife Subhadra became her favorite and came to the palace. 

So, the novel also discusses her marriage and love life. The book talks about the challenges she faced after being a common wife to all Pandavas and her relationship with their other wives and children. However, the author shares Draupadi’s attraction to Karna and how she came to know everything about him in the end.

3. Kauravas, Draupadi’s Cheerharan and the great war- Mahabharat: 

The historical-fiction talks about the Kauravas and their visit to the palace of illusions. Later, the novel talks about Pandavas visit to their palace where Yudhishtir lost the game and how that led to the Draupadi’s Cheerharan. Draupadi’s disrespect in the court finally gave a call for the great Battle of Kurukshetra- Mahabharat between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. 

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an amazing author and I loved her writing style. The novel will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. A Mahabharat from Draupadi’s point of view will tell you about the life of a woman in ancient times. 

The first and last chapter of the book shares a similar name- fire, thus connecting the end to the beginning. So, Grab The palace of illusions and enjoy the story of a woman who was born to change history. 

We will be back with another book review. Till then enjoy our other book reviews.

Also, suggest your favorite historical fiction or fiction in the comment box below.

Happy reading. 🙂

Historical fiction- The palace of illusions

You Might Also Like

15 Comments

  • Reply
    Rimi Mondal
    August 28, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Will go through these book very soon.!!

  • Reply
    RANJEETA NATH GHAI
    September 10, 2022 at 11:44 pm

    I had seen the play Ravan ki Ramayan and loved it. The play Ravan ki Ramayan tells the story of the great Indian epic, the Ramayana, from the perspective of Ravana, the demon king who is traditionally seen as the antagonist. This book sounds very different and interesting. I would love to read Panchali’s perspective on the patriarchal society.

  • Reply
    Rashmi Rama
    September 12, 2022 at 8:51 pm

    Will go through these books .seems very interesting all the books.Your reviews help to decide about books selection.A problem becomes problem only when believe it so that is very true lines.makes more interesting to red the book

    • Reply
      Saania
      September 13, 2022 at 2:06 am

      Sounds really interesting I think I’ve heard of the book. Thanks for your detailed review and will share around

  • Reply
    sandy n vyjay
    September 12, 2022 at 9:27 pm

    “The Palace of Illusions,” seems to be an interesting book. Mahabharata is such an engrossing epic with so many dimensions. This book that looks at Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perception sound really fascinating.

    • Reply
      Anjali Tripathi
      September 12, 2022 at 11:19 pm

      “The Palace of Illusions” appears to be an intriguing novel. The Mahabharata is a fascinating epic with many facets. I’d like to read Panchali’s thoughts on patriarchal society.

      • Reply
        Kriti
        September 13, 2022 at 10:38 am

        I have read palace if illusions I quite agree with you
        Mahabharata has many aspects
        This book is amazing

  • Reply
    Dipika Singh
    September 12, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    So much we have heard about this palace in mythology, great to see a book on it too. Would love to get my hands on this one soon.

  • Reply
    Jeannine
    September 13, 2022 at 5:33 am

    I love the storyline of this and would love to read it too! From being insecure and gaining confidence is one thing that everyone should learn about. Most of us have insecurities and to live with it and learn to be confident within ourselves makes us life our purpose and life a happy/happier life.

  • Reply
    Amy
    September 13, 2022 at 8:50 am

    As they have said, everyone have different perspectives and a story to tell about mahabharata, I love how creatively the author explained the side of Draupadi. ❤️

  • Reply
    Sweety Joshi
    September 13, 2022 at 1:44 pm

    Great book Review Vandana… I liked this book and thinking that I should definitely give it a read. Thank you for introducing this to us.

  • Reply
    Megha Bajpai
    September 13, 2022 at 4:27 pm

    I have a very deep interest in Mahabharat and encient history . Your review tempted me to read this interesting book . Your creativity as an authour giving me a new sight of Draupadi ‘s character. Thanks for sharing .

  • Reply
    Khushboo
    September 14, 2022 at 3:24 am

    It looks like a good book to read. My husband will surely love reading it. Your review is really helpful.

  • Reply
    Meenakshi Kaur
    September 14, 2022 at 11:12 am

    I love the storyline of this book. So much we have heard about this palace in mythology, great to see a book on it too. Your review tempted me to read this interesting book.

  • Reply
    Jhilmil D Saha
    September 19, 2022 at 12:11 am

    I have read the kid’s version of Mahabharata and was enchanted by the description of this palace of illusion. It will be an exciting read. Loved your review.

Leave a Reply