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Friday, September 11, 2020

Book review :Palace of illusions.

Book name: The Palace of illusions.

Author.      : Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

'And there he was, sitting across the fire, smiling that charming, infuriating smile. Was my anxiety causing me to hallucinate? “A situation in itself,” he said, “is neither happy nor unhappy. It’s only your response to it that causes your sorrow. But enough of philosophy! I’m hungry.” '


Palace of illusions is an engrossing retelling of the great epic Mahabharat from the perspective of Draupadi. The story unravels with the birth of Draupadi and narrates her viewpoint of the world and the male chauvinistic society. She was unique, smart, impatient and had an unending need to know everything. The story also reveals the not so good side of her driven by revenge and also of her forbidden love with the nemesis. 

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This is quite different from all the retellings of the epic in that it tells it from the standpoint of one the greatest female character. It is also different in a way it reveals the alternative side of all characters involved. From Karna to Arjun, from Kunti to Bheeshma, there is a vulnerable side to everyone's character and is being detailed greatly. The novels fills in all the gaps that is not being told in almost all other versions of Mahabharat. The ending is done beautifully and gives a complete satisfaction. Krishna's character is nevertheless charismatic throughout and gives out serious Life lessons that is appropriate in all walks of life. 

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I have always wanted a retelling from the perspective of Panchaali as I have always read and seen it from the angle of the Pandavas and sometimes Karna. She undergoes a great deal of struggle, from her dreams being crushed to her being publicly humiliated and a great deal more by losing her loved ones and being the reason of it all. Through all of it she stood strong and never lost her hope. I loved the way her mind worked in the novel and all her aspirations and dreams. 

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The novel could be a little difficult to understand if you are not well versed in Indian mythology. It will be a delight to everyone who loves mythology. It is a five star read for me. 

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Rating:5/5💜

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Buy the book from Bookish Santa


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