About the Book
A marriage of history and myth, The Palace of Illusions reimagines the world-famous Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Told from the point of view of Panchali, the wife of the famous Pandava brothers, the focus of this beloved tale shifts from the original war and honor, to humanistic concerns. The novel traces Panchaali’s life, beginning with her fire birth. She is an outspoken woman, self-confident, and interested in the art of warfare and the politics of monarchy. Life then sees her married to all five of the Pandava brothers. She finds herself swept into the quest of these five brothers to reclaim their father’s kingdom which they have been cheated out of. Amidst all these events are her intriguing friendship with Lord Krishna and her secret attraction to her husbands’ worse enemy. It is a man’s world, but Panchaali is a fiery female character who isn’t one to shy away from redefining the world of warriors, gods, and the ever-manipulating hands of fate.
About the Author
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s resume features her as a poet, author, and professor of writing at the University of Houston. Some of her popular works include Black Candle, Leaving Yuba City, The Brotherhood of the Conch, and Shadowland. Apart from writing, Divakaruni is the former president of Maitri, which is a helpline for South Asian women who are experiencing domestic abuse. She is also a board member of Pratham, a non-profit organization that aims to bring literacy to underprivileged Indian children.
