The Palace of Illusions is an engaging retelling of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of its female protagonist, Draupadi. The novel is authored by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, an award-winning Indian-American author known for her evocative storytelling and considered one of the finest mythology writers in India.
Narrated by Panchaali (also known as Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas), The Palace of Illusions weaves a captivating tale of love, ambition, ego, and betrayal. The protagonist of the story, Draupadi, narrates her story, presenting a fresh interpretation of the events that led to the great Kurukshetra war.
Born in 1956, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Houston. Other than The Palace of Illusions, she has authored some great novels, such as The Last Queen and The Forest of Enchantments. Her vivid prose and deep understanding of Indian mythology and culture shine through her writings.
The Palace of Illusions is a remarkable work of half history and half myth, with the author’s talent for crafting immersive narratives and reimagining the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective. Divakaruni has created a powerful and unforgettable story that continues to impress readers, especially those who love Indian mythology.