Expectations are like hidden rocks in your path- all they do is to trip you up.”
Book – The Palace of Illusions
Author – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre – Historical fiction
The story of Mahabharata has been narrated many times before by many people. So what makes “The Palace of Illusions” different? Here the author chose Droupadi as her narrator. Unlike other books, this book strictly emphasizes the upbringing, sufferings, and mental turmoil of a woman.
Emerging from the fire with the prediction of changing the course of history, Draupadi spends her childhood alone. The book renovates Panchaali’s relationship with her husbands, mother-in-law, Krishna, Bheesma, and mainly Karna. The author has skillfully portrayed all the aspects of Draupadi’s character. Draupadi, an independent and revolutionary woman, wanted to write her destiny. But her views on her sawyamvar and marriage were not taken into account. She has no freedom in choosing her partner. Although her sufferings make me compassionate, her own opinions and thoughts make me less sympathetic to her.
The writing style and also the way the author narrated the whole story without diverting from the original one is commendable. The elegant development of the character of Draupadi and the steady progress of the story is admirable. Draupadi is one of the most perplexing characters of Mahabharata, and I admire her. She always appeared as a strong woman who always strove for her destiny, and this book is no exception.
If you love to read mythology, then this should be your next read.