48 pages • 1 hour read
The Palace of Illusions
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Ancient India • Mythological Era
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Panchaali, a princess born from fire and foretold to be a powerful queen with five husbands, navigates a life filled with divine guidance from Krishna, complex relationships, and sociopolitical strife, ultimately playing a pivotal role in a catastrophic war that reshapes her world. This book includes depictions of violence and trauma.
Fantastical
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
66,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni reimagines the Mahabharata through Draupadi's eyes, blending rich narrative and cultural depth. Readers praise its lyrical prose and feminist perspective. Some criticize the slow pacing and deviations from the original epic. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read that offers a fresh angle on classic mythology.
Who Should Read The Palace of Illusions?
Readers who enjoy mythological retellings with strong female protagonists will be captivated by The Palace of Illusions. Fans of Circe by Madeline Miller or The Red Tent by Anita Diamant will appreciate Divakaruni’s reimagining of the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. This novel blends history, fantasy, and feminist themes seamlessly.
66,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Krishna
Krishna
A divine being and spiritual guide to Panchaali, Krishna advises her throughout her life with his pragmatic intelligence and playful yet challenging demeanor.
Karna
Karna
A formidable warrior known for his golden armor and earrings, Karna's origins are mysterious, and he competes for Panchaali's hand in marriage.
King Drupad
King Drupad
The ruler of Panchaal and father to Panchaali and Dhri, King Drupad is entangled in a revenge plot against his nemesis, Drona.
Kunti
Kunti
The mother of the Pandava brothers and Karna, Kunti uses a divine boon to conceive her children and plays a complex maternal role.
Arjun
Arjun
A skilled archer and one of Panchaali's husbands, known for his courtesy and noble nature, Arjun struggles with the dynamics introduced by his mother's insistence.
Dhri
Dhri
Panchaali’s intelligent and caring older brother, Dhri is born from the same fire and shares a close bond with her, offering advice and support.
Yudhisthir
Yudhisthir
Known for his intelligence and philosophical discussions, Yudhisthir is one of Panchaali’s husbands and faces challenges that impact the Pandava family.
Bheem
Bheem
Deeply caring and devoted to Panchaali, Bheem is the Pandava brother who loves her most and frequently seeks her counsel on various issues.
384
Novel • Fiction
Ancient India • Mythological Era
2008
Adult
18+ years
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