The Palace of Illusions

Beautifully written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. This story is about Draupadi from her perspective. The way she experiences human emotions, feelings and thoughts even though she was borne from pious fire has been explained in a way that is bordering feminism and humanity. The trials and tribulations she had to undergo as a human being even though she was of divinity and the trigger causing the Great War has been captured in an eloquent way that gives off mixed feelings of sorrow and joy. Chitra's descriptions about other family members and their stories have been neatly interwoven with Draupadi's narrative. Inner emotions of each person intertwined with Draupadi's has been explained in way so as to not bore the reader. Certain things have been embellished as it is not in the original Bhagavad Gita but it has to be added in the book for it's progress. All the characters have been given equal importance.Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it. Planning to read her other books.

It's an amazing book. Should be read by each and every girl on this planet. It will make you understand the value, the importance and pleasure to be a girl, a woman, a sister, a mother and a wife. It will give you the key of life . Thanks to the author to help me understand that I was wrong that 'Mahabharata happened because of Draupadi'. Mahabharata had many reasons but Draupadi is a woman to be admired by all as she fought for her rights and her dignity.

Never felt more connected to any soul in such a way. Every word is chosen perfectly to describe the wonderful journey undertaken by the most humanly Panchaali..... Some instances in the novel actually forced to evaluate every human emotion and reaction we have been having in us for long, search for consequences of our every small action in this mortal life. It is a novel that is now engrained in my heart and soul!