Palace Of Illusions | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review

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                     Photo by:instagram.com/mimis.bookshelf 

There was an unexpected freedom in finding out that one wasn't as important as one had always assumed! - Chitra Banarjee Divakaruni 


 Palace of Illusions
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Pages: 360

The book Palace Of Illusions is a retelling of the Indina Epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi. It, instead of tracing The Pandavas' journey from their childhood, follows the journey of Panchali or Draupadi from her childhood till death.

Story
The book starts with the birth of Draupadi and Dhristhadymna. Their father, Drupad wanted just one son who can take revenge from Drona. As Draupadi grows-up she finds herself feeling imprisoned in her palace and wants a palace of her own where she can be free. She meets Krishna, whom people call incarnation of God, and he becomes her only male friend. She is intelligent, rebellious, logical and at some places pessimist. She is warned by a sorcer, Vyasa, to keep control on her laughter. Eventually she marries the five Pandava brothers and finds herself in the Palace of Illusions, which is called so because it is built by Maya and have many illusions and tricks within it, in Indraprasth. During of their visit, Duryodhan, eldest of Pandavas' cousins Kauravas', falls into a pond and Draupadi is unable to control her laughter. During their game of Chusar with Pandavas', Duryodhan avenges his insult by winning Indraprasth, the Palace of Illusions, and Draupadi herself and tries to harass her in front of everyone in the hall. As a result the Pandavas' are forced to take exile into forest for 13 years and one year of Agyatvas. The epic war of Mahabharat follows after 14 years as Duryodhan refuses to give Indraprasth back to Pandavas. Amidst all this, Draupadi finds a lover, other than her husbands. He is present in the hall and suggests to take off Draupadi's cloths. On the exile Draupadi discovers herself and the Pandavas and the true of love and freedom.

Characters and story build-up

Everything about this book is so perfect, be it the characters, the use of poetry, or the references to other events to Indian Mythology. The pace of the story is so good, it is neither too fast not too slow. At every event you feel what Draupadi is feeling, what see expects from her future, or what see regrets doing. It is surely one of the best Indian Fiction book out there.

Rating: 4.5/5








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