Blurb:
Genre: Fiction / Cultural / Fantasy / Mythology / Literature
Taking us back to a time that is half history, half myth and wholly magical, The Palace of Illusions gives new voice to Panchaali, the fire-born heroine of the Mahabharat, as she weaves a vibrant interpretation of an ancient tale. Married to five royal husbands who have been cheated out of their father’s kingdom, Panchaali aids their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war. But she cannot deny her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna—or her secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands’ most dangerous enemy—as she is caught up in the ever-manipulating hands of fate.
My Review Rating – 5 Stars
The Palace of Illusions, the best selling novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, gives a whole new perspective of Mahabharata from a woman’s point of view. It is a fresh and different view in a patriarchal society. The story travels with Panchali, right from her birth from the fire to the time she dies, so as to finally be with that person who she loved all through her life but never obtained.
The Palace of Illusions is a very interesting read for anyone who likes Indian Mythology and wants a fresh and different perspective to the conventional story. Panchali is portrayed as a very strong character who, in spite of being ridiculed and mistreated by almost everyone for her boldness, she maintained her individuality and pride and did not bow down in front of even the senior-most authority. Yes, she did take vengeance to a very next level and brought a whole clan down to avenge her anger. But she also tolerated and lived through a lot of injustice, which would have broken any other female of her stature. She brought the position of being a Princess and a Queen to a whole new level. She commands respect at every step of the novel. Overall, the book deserves 5 stars, if not more.
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