Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Palace of Illusions
The Palace of Illusions | Chitra Divakaruni
The Palace of Illusions takes us back to a time that is half-history, half-myth, and wholly magical; narrated by Panchaali, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, we are -- finally -- given a woman's take on the timeless tale that is the Mahabharata Tracing Panchaali's life -- from fiery birth and lonely childhood, where her beloved brother is her only true companion; through her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna; to marriage, motherhood and Panchaali's secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands' most dangerous enemy -- The Palace of Illusions is a deeply human novel about a woman born into a man's world -- a world of warriors, gods and the ever manipulating hands of fate. A mythic tale brimming with warriors, magic and treachery Los Angeles Times A radiant entree into an ancient mythology . . . Charming and remarkable Houston Chronicle A womans look at crime and punishment, loyalty, promises, love and vengeance . . . With The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni has proven that her storytelling talents put her right up there with the best Miami Herald
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
review
ChaoticMissAdventures
Palace of Illusions | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

I really love this book. I read it decades ago & i fell in love with Indian culture & history. I love how myths & history are interwoven
Panchaali is born from fire and is married to 5 brothers, this is her story and how they changed all things around them.
The writing is gorgeous, the characters are regal but also likable.
Only complaint is there are so many characters it can be confusing, family tree doesn't help as much as a list would have.

blurb
ChaoticMissAdventures
Palace of Illusions | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

This week's TBR I am so close to being done with The Palace of Illusions and Trespasses hoping to finish at least one today.
I am also listening to Wives And Daughters which is a chunkster.
Zami is my first #14booksin14weeks read

quote
moontree
The Palace of Illusions | Chitra Divakaruni
post image

So true!

Time really heals wounds. doesn't it? And also changes the happy times to good memories.

review
ruchigandhi22
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

This is one of my favorite books.
Being a non religious Hindu, I have never read much about mythology. But lately I realised that Hindu mythology is actually pretty fascinating and that is when I gave this book a try.
This book is told from the perspective of a princess and has lots of beautiful strong feminist ideologies.
Even if you don't know anything about Hindu Mythology, give this a shot. There's always Google if you want to research

4 likes1 stack add
review
kiks
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

My #bookspin of the month. @TheAromaofBooks

I really enjoyed this book. The premises was interesting (Mahabharat from Draupadis view). Fair warning if you are not aware of at least the main Mahabharat story and some of its many subplots, this might be a little confusing for many important events are glossed over or not mentioned. But considering mahabharat is too huge a story to be properly captured in 360 pages, it was a great effort. (contd)

kiks A brief summary about mahabharat would have probably helped introduce it to a newer audience who are not aware of this epic story but if you are already aware about Mahabharat, it really is worth a read. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great review!! Glad you enjoyed your pick!! 4y
16 likes2 comments
blurb
kiks
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

My #bookspin books. I have been meaning to read The Palace of Illusions for a while now. So yay!

Thanks @TheAromaofBooks for organising this.

TheAromaofBooks Love the way your covers go together!! 4y
Joanne1 I really enjoyed All the birds, singing. 4y
kiks @TheAromaofBooks yeah, love the coincidence 4y
kiks @Joanne1 yeah, I added it in my tbr pile after my mum also recommended it. I also really loved the cover and title. 4y
16 likes4 comments
review
AkashPhoenix
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

Book #17 of Indian Authors October Fest

Mahabharata Redesigned. Really loved it. The author portrays this epic from a womans standpoint amazingly. She not only shows you the story from Paanchalis eyes but even gives you a feminine reasoning on acts of all female characters in the story. Loved the satire and humor in the book. I recommend this book to all Indian men :)

#indianauthors #indianliterature

27 likes2 stack adds
quote
AkashPhoenix
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Every Woman Should Read this version of the epic!

14 likes1 stack add
quote
AkashPhoenix
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Time is the great eraser, both of sorrow and of joy.
- Draupadi

Kauravas had won her in a game of dice. Draupadi (strangely angry only with the men that won her, not the ones that staked her) had sworn that she will never tie up her hair until it is washed in Dushasana‘s blood.
Mahabharata from Draupadi's Point of View!

23 likes3 stack adds
review
Ruchica
The Palace of Illusions | Chitra Divakaruni
Pickpick

Amazing.

blurb
MeganAnn
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

The amazing @hermyknee created a great questionnaire for the #mythsandlegendsswap !! Repost with your answers so your match can get to know you!

🗡 I love them all, but I‘m definitely a sucker for the Sword in the Stone
👻 Ummm.. Bloody Mary? Basically anything that could be turned into a horror movie because I won‘t watch them!
🐍 Medusa for sure
⚡️ Hercules, Hercules!!
💰El Dorado
✨ The tagged book sounds fascinating!

Velvetfur Ooohh this is such a great idea, well done and thanks to @hermyknee! 👍 5y
hermyknee I‘m right there with you for anything that can be turned into a horror movie - I just can‘t with the horror 😱 5y
47 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
sreyakhan22
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Pickpick

In India it's a popular saying that females are the cause behind every great war and it was interesting to read Mahabharat from Draupadi's point of view.
We are given to look up to Yudhisthir as he is called Dharamveer but he is flawed and so are other Pandavas.
I would read this book again would be sure to recommend.

blurb
Shamzi
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

More wise words by the one and only Krishna!!!🦚🦚🦚

7 likes1 stack add
quote
Shamzi
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Wise words, I just wish there were more by Krishna,that is the only thing lacking in this book!!!

review
Shamzi
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Pickpick

It is the same saga that almost everyone in India have grown watching and listening to but I still like any rendition of Mahabharata, and this is from a women's point of view, which I have never read before. I think it's complexity is it's charm and not to forget Krishna. Even if you know about the story, you would still like it for the fact that it highlights female characters which are usually shadowed in this epic saga!!!

8 likes1 stack add
review
NeedsMoreBooks
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

This is a retelling of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the viewpoint of the female protagonist, Draupadi/ Paanchali. These kind of retellings are my favorite so absolutely loved this. Darupadi is the queen of Hastinapur who has five husbands. Lot of family politics, power dynamics, boons and gods, philosophy, and relationships make this a delightful read. Draupadi is a very human and realistic character as are the others.

Tanisha_A I have this one my TBR since forever. It sounds super interesting! Nice review! 😃 5y
NeedsMoreBooks Thank you @Tanisha_A ! 🥰 5y
16 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Shamzi
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Beautiful morning in Delhi, just want to curl up in bed much like this little guy, instead I was stuck in traffic for over an hour, good thing I was able to read a few chapters!!!

mreads 🐕❤😴 5y
Shamzi @mreads 😁😁 5y
14 likes2 comments
blurb
Shamzi
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Starting this one tonight, over the past month saw a number of people, especially girls, reading this one, so I took there advice because they are always right!!!

quote
Chaitanya4
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Ah forgiveness... it's a virtue that eludes even the great.

quote
Chaitanya4
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so.

quote
Naj
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
blurb
Naj
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

A lesser known book set in India for #AdventRecommends Day 15

I love this book so much! It has everything: good writing, history, mythology, crazy twists, and a great female protagonist. This is a feminist re-telling of The Mahabharata and I wasn't able to put it down. Highly recommend reading this, no matter what your favorite genre is, it has something for everyone.

@emilyrose_x

13 likes3 stack adds
review
PKARiF
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

Radiant....a charming and remarkable book

Kaye Thank you for the Follow ♥️ 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Such a pretty cover! 5y
Crazeedi Welcome to Litsy !🎉🎉 5y
37 likes3 comments
review
niddhiupadhyay
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

I was brought up on the story of Mahabharata. However, while I knew what was going to happen, the perspective of Draupadi was nothing like I'd ever read before. It takes a feminist take on a male dominated mythic story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

review
anujabobe
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

Absolutely brilliant! I love this book so much, I have gifted more than 15 copies to people who I think should read this book. The book gives insight into the great epic of Mahabharata from Panchali's point of view and is one of the best POVs of the epic that I've ever read.

quote
MalavikaSunilK
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
review
MalavikaSunilK
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Pickpick

The palace of illusions brilliantly presents the epic tale of Mahabharata through the eyes of Panchali. It is a refreshing perspective as the female characters of Mahabharata hasn't had a chance to offer their side of the story before. An empowering take that doesn't hesitate to throw light on reality and ugly truths! It explores what it is like to be a woman and the kind of courage and sacrifice demanded when their men parttake in a deadly war.

review
pradeepdc
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Pickpick

Writing and pacing is upto international standards unlike many Indian authors. Detailed views on mahabaratha cultures and the depiction is beautiful. Got to know the character of Draupadi more and a good read it was .

review
BiblioLitten
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

Bling it on!
#green
A refreshing take on an Indian epic. I like how the author gives voice to one of the most misunderstood woman in Indian mythology. Definitely a tale worth reading, especially if you know the background a bit.

@vkois88 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Pretty pic!!! 💚💚 6y
vkois88 Beautiful! 6y
24 likes3 comments
blurb
Tanisha_A
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

One of the beautiful green covers from my TBR!
#GreenBooks #MarchInBooks
@maich

BookishMe It's an incredible story! Finally I could make sense who's who in the epic mythology. Should add it to my re-reads 6y
Soubhiville So pretty! 6y
Tanisha_A @BookishMe Oh yes, I am with you on who's who in Mahabharata. I am just terrible at it. 6y
Tanisha_A @Soubhiville 😃 Yep! It totally reminds me of the various doors and doorways I have seen in various forts. 6y
54 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
mimis.bookshelf
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

This is my most favourite retelling of Ramayana from Sita's perspective. Which retelling of Ramayana do you love the most?

peacegypsy This looks fascinating! 6y
moontree This is the retelling of Mahabharata from panchali's poin of view. 2y
5 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
SibaniTripathy
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

There was an unexpected freedom in
finding out that one wasn't as important as one had always assumed!
Love comes like lightning, and disappears the same way. If you are lucky, it strikes you right. If not, you'll spend your life yearning for a man you can't have.
I am buoyant and expansive and uncontainable--but I always was so, only I never knew it!

10 likes1 stack add
review
Parvathy92
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

The Palace of Illusions portrays Mahabharatham from Paanchali's point of view. The book has portrayed a possible different side of her's in a way meant to be catpivating. The story is engaging, masterfully crafted and 100% entertaining.
Rating - 5/5

quote
Book_Gnome
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Opening line: "Through the long, lonely years of my childhood, when my father's palace seemed to tighten its grip around me until I couldn't breathe, I would go to my nurse and ask for a story." #thepalaceofillusions #chitrabanerjeedivakaruni #picador #picadorbooks #bookcover #firstline #bookgnome #bookish #book

10 likes2 stack adds
quote
AshwinnieTheOtherPooh
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

"Expectations are like hidden rocks in your path - all they do is trip you up"

3 likes2 stack adds
quote
Bree.Hill
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

"If I ever wrote a book, I would place the women in the forefront of the action. I would uncover the story that lay Invisible between the lines of men's exploits. Better still, I would have one of them tell it herself, with all her joys and doubts, her struggles and her triumphs, her heartbreaks, her achievements, the unique female way in which she sees her world and her place in it'

First pick for #holidaybooktubeathon

britt_brooke Nice photo. 📷👌🏻 7y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Sulagna
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

MrBook Beautiful pic! Welcome to @Litsy ! We hope you enjoy your stay, I think you'll like it here 😎👍🏻. 8y
Sulagna @MrBook thanks a lot! I surely am till now! ὠ4 8y
MrBook 😊👍🏻 8y
1 like1 stack add3 comments
review
BestOfFates
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image
Pickpick

Captivating. Weaves in tale upon tale from the Mahabharata in enticing, beautiful language & from a female perspective. Wonderfully read by Sneha Mathan.

ramyasbookshelf I haven't read any of her books. But I've been only heard good things. Got to pick one up soon. 8y
BestOfFates @ramyasbookshelf It was incredibly good but leaned hard on being-told-your-terrible-fate-bc-of-your-faults-but-then-being-unable-to-change-those-faults which made it hard to read, as I find those stories so tragic and depressing. 8y
19 likes2 stack adds2 comments
quote
BestOfFates
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

❤️😥❤️

15 likes1 stack add
quote
BestOfFates
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

"Maybe it will mitigate the catastrophes to come."

12 likes1 stack add
quote
BestOfFates
The Palace of Illusions: A Novel | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
post image

Only just starting The Palace of Illusions but already in love.

Lindseyastin This book sounds gorgeous. 8y
BestOfFates @Lindseyastin It really is! And no line at the library!! 8y
moontree @Lindseyastin though you won't understand it if you don't know the Mahabharata. 2y
24 likes4 stack adds3 comments