Synopsis
The Palace of Illusions is a 2008 novel by award-winning novelist and poet Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It was released by Picador. The novel is a rendition of the Hindu epic Mahabharata as told from Draupadi's (Panchaali's) viewpoint, namely, that of a woman living in a patriarchal world. 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.
About the Author
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (born Chitralekha Banerjee, 1956) is an Indian-American Author, poet, and the Betty and Gene McDavid Professor of Writing at the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. Divakaruni's works are largely set in India and the United States, and often focus on the experiences of South Asian immigrants. She writes for children as well as adults and has published novels in multiple genres, including realistic fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, and fantasy.
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