I am a sucker for everything mythological and fantasy. Mahabharata topping the list with all its drama, war, love and hatred keeping you entertained. Then here comes along a book that gives you an insight from a woman’s perspective; and not just any woman but Paanchali, who some say is the main reason for the war. The book is a narrative of life as seen by Draupadi right from her childhood through to the hardships of life as the wife of the Pandavas. It is an amazingly different aspect of the famous Indian epic.
In Palace of Illusions Chitra Divakurni captures the essence of a strong willed woman facing trying times in that era, the frustration at being contained by the rules of the society and what decorum expects of them. Especially unique is the relationship she hints at between Karna and Draupadi. There are moments that leave you with a quiet and amused smile but certainly keep you thinking.
It is a beautiful journey of a young girl wanting to achieve so much against all odds; of a princess and queen trying to hold her own in a kingdom; a wife trying to keep her position secure; of a mother and her loss and most importantly of a woman and all that she faces while living through the famous Mahabharta.
Book Title: : Palace of Illusions
Author : Chitra Divakurni
Publication: Anchor; Reprint edition (10 February 2009)
Reviewer: Geetanjali Dogra
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