Banerjee’s princess is a young rebel, a tomboy craving for her father, Draupadi’s attention. There are actually two ways of dealing with such curiosities. Copyright Shades Of Words 2019. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. We see her evolution from a young, rebellious girl to a queen of the times. Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. Thete were times when I found my heart racing like when I read the famous Vastrakshepam scene. The book was published in multiple languages including English, consists of 360 pages and is available in Hardcover format. With time, I started to develop an interest on my own towards works like the Panchatantra, Jataka Tales, Amar Chitra Katha, i.e., just about anything that had conversing animals or a touch of mythology in it. Men are exalted as warriors and statesmen while women are relegated to the domestic arts. For those unfamiliar with the epic, Draupadi was the wife of the five Pandava brothers, the rulers of Hastinapur (believed to be erstwhile Delhi). It was very refreshing and invigorating to read the story from a female’s POV. We are complex, so are our lives. However, i did not like the new angle depicted between karna and draupadi though, not even a bit, "Love comes like lightning and disappears the same way. A retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi's point of view sounds like it has much potential -- but this attempt is let down by trying to encompass all of the epic, and bringing in the stories of almost all the characters, instead of staying faithful to Draupadi's (feminist) viewpoint. If yes, what made you realise it? Her themes include the Indian experience, contemporary America, women, immigration, history, myth, and the joys and challenges of living in a multicultural world. This is the story of Mahabharatha - not the full one, but a few incidents as seen through the eyes of Draupadi - the Pandava wife. Her brother, Dhri, is born this way as well.They inhabit a world where divine beings and magic are commonplace. The Palace of Illusions: Deconstructing Draupadi's Identity Anjali Singla Introduction The Palace of IllusionsRecasting the Indian epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Princess Panchaali, novelist Divakaruni offers a vivid and inventive companion to the renowned poem. February 12th 2008 She is the daughter of the king Drupad, also known as Draupadi; wife of five Pandavas, and mistress of the breathtaking and stupendous palace. When their cousins, the Kauravas came to visit, they found themselves befuddled and lost. I had never liked Draupadi, but this book makes me see her as a flesh and bone woman. Making it a half-baked encapsulation, instead of a re-interpretation. Dhri’s tutor notes, “As you know, being a girl, [Panchaali] is cursed with a short memory. The Palace of Illusions is Draupadi’s narration of the epic story of “Mahabharata”. I had never given a second thought to Drishtadhyumna, her brother ( both results of a great yaga). Draupadi’s tries hard to fight the social structures around her. She was larger than life character. Photography and infographics cannot be used without permission. Well, that is indeed a noble cause. ooo you had me with the cover Did you feel that there is a more empowered version of Draupadi in this book? The story is complex, as political relationships grow and develop, and friends and enemies are created, leading to battles and wars that will eventually destroy them all. Thete were times when I found my heart racing like whe. The Palace of Illusions: A Book Review. Except for that twist in Draupadi's love life it would have been perfect. 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