The Palace of Illusions

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

The Palace of Illusions takes us back to a time that is half history, half myth, and wholly magical. It is told by Panchaali, wife of the Pandava brothers, a fiery female redefining for us a world of warriors, gods, and the ever-manipulating hands of fate.

The novel traces the princess Panchaali's life, beginning with her birth in fire and following her spirited balancing act as a woman with five husbands who have been cheated out of their father's kingdom. Panchaali is swept into their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war involving all the important kings of India. Meanwhile, we never lose sight of her strategic duels with her mother-in-law, her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna, or her secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands' most dangerous enemy.

©2008 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Brilliant

This is an insight in the best and worst aspects of human nature. Our limitations and our ability. It is also an interesting topic in current political climate.

A very different perspective to the great Epic

Would you consider the audio edition of The Palace of Illusions to be better than the print version?

Yes, even though the narration could have been better. The Indian names, specially, were incorrectly pronounced and the Hindi/Sansnkrit words seemed to be coming out with a perceptible effort.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Krishna, without doubt. I have read the Mahabharata in several forms, and each version brings out a different flavour to Krishna's role as well as his teachings.

Which scene was your favorite?

The last chapter describing the final journey was probably the best.

Any additional comments?

Even though this is not a retelling of the great Epic, its brings out a completely different nuance. It forced me to think differently about aspects of the story that I had always assumed to be a certain way.

Delightful!

Where does The Palace of Illusions rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was an exceptional read. I have read several versions of Mahabharata, since it is such a magnificent epic. But, this book is different, it sheds light on Draupadi's side of the story, and honestly made me think how misunderstood she is... I am not sure how "real" some of the points are, but it is delightful read.

What other book might you compare The Palace of Illusions to and why?

nothing really!

What about Sneha Mathan’s performance did you like?

Sneha Mathan brings this story alive with her extraordinary narration skills! Kudos to her. I am going to find more books narrated by her.

Who was the most memorable character of The Palace of Illusions and why?

Karna! He is portrayed as such a tragedy-stricken hero, that you almost see his sad face in front of your eyes.

It’s been a long time since I read anything this beautiful.

The narration was excellent. The story itself was lovely, funny, epic, terribly sad. The writing was so good I kept having to send people quotes. I’m immensely grateful that, in need of a random free audiobook, I picked this for its pretty cover art. I will think about this book for a long time.

beautifully narrated

loved every second of this book. such a beautifully thought provoking book. worth the read.

An engaging listen that questions a lot of canon

I definitely enjoyed listening to this book, Mathan does a wonderful performance bringing Divakaruni’s poetic words to life. While much of the bones of the story will be familiar to students of the Mahabharata, Divakaruni has definitely created a retelling that in some places contradicts the more traditional canonical elements of the epic, so I caution any reader against presuming that they can skip reading the Mahabharata having read this book. My only complaint (and it’s a small one) is that the narrator’s voice is incredibly self-reflective in so many parts and yet inexplicably not self-aware in places where she has been forewarned, without any acknowledgement of the irony. I don’t know if this is a truly a fault however, as it might be a deliberate point by the author to highlight the inevitability of the character’s story. All in all a great listen and I am intrigued to try more of Divakaruni’s books.

Yes choose this one

Very well written and well read. There are many insights and life lessons which Will give you plenty to ponder.

Stunning!

in these moments after completing this beautiful book, I find I am lost for words to describe how this version of an ancient story has effected me. If you have found this title, do not hesitate to begin it, especially if you are a woman. It will pierce your woman's heart like an arrow from Arjuna's bow, directly and completely. Love, duty, jealousy, suffering, compassion, shame, honor, laughter, wonder, piety, hatred... life. All held in a garland of poetic storytelling by the author and voiced by the reader with each word expressing the exact sentiment intended. Read it now. Savor it, 'cause you'll be sorry when it ends.

Very thoughtful take on Mahabharata

Very good perspective on the complex Epic of Indian Mythology..
She has painted complex characters with different and unique viewpoints but her take on Arjun and Krishna was curious and sometimes perplexing!

The narrator was very disappointing especially with male characters. Her accents definitely dampened the experience for me.

Draupadi… all of her!!!

Fantastic story telling!!! Very catchy… completely submerged in it from the first word!! Loved it