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The Palace of Illusions  By  cover art

The Palace of Illusions

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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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.

What listeners say about The Palace of Illusions

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Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

Not only is the story amazing, but the narrator’s work is too!! This is now one of my all time favorite books!! Just beautiful!

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3 people found this helpful

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Wonderful story

I have recently been interested in reading Indian mythology. The stories are so
Imaginative and entertaining but very one sided. This booked filled in the female side of the story and introduced character motivations That were lacking in direct translations of the text. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in stories that have strong female leads or Indian mythology. I finished the whole 13 hour audiobook in 3 days! I couldn’t push pause!

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful audio book!

Wonderful narration. Loved a new take on this ancient tale. I really enjoyed this audible book. Hope to find others from this author and the narrator just as enjoyable. Plus, plus, plus!!!

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1 person found this helpful

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  • 08-20-21

Magical

I loved every minute of this enchanting and beautifully written and narrated story. So original and captivating.

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Wow. Amazing

Great story. Even greater reader! Thank you Sneha for bringing Panchali to life. This is my third time listening.

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Amazing Find. Television Worthy

I want more stories like this. The world building. The characters. I enjoyed this story so much and the performance was done with heart and emotion. Would love to see this story brought to television. A great example of fantasy featuring stories of color.

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Pleasantly Surprised

I really enjoyed listening to this story. The author was so descriptive I felt I was standing with her throughout the journey.

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Intriguing and memorable rendition of Indian mythology

Enjoyed the story of Panchaali - Vivid female lead character, epic story - skillful performance of numerous characters. Prior knowledge of Indian mythology not needed to enjoy a complex, layered storyline

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Beautiful story beautifully read 

Absolutely exquisitely written, and an excellent performance.
Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a woman’s perspective on the Mahabharata.

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Great Listen

I have read Mahabharata from several authors and every time I listen to the story some new thought always occur. I am very picky about authors who re-write what Vyasa has written. I downloaded this book due to my wife's insist and I am not at all disappointed.
The great epic has been told from Panchali's view point and the reader has done an excellent job.
I will recommend this book for anybody who are interested in religious mythologies and Mahabaratha itself is a very thought provoking story and this book will introduce you to that.

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24 people found this helpful