The Palace of Illusions

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

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.

Epic, magical, beautifully read

This was an utter joy to listen to, for story and performance! This feminine perspective and telling of the Mahabharata was compelling to the last word. I would say that some small knowledge of Indian philosophy and Sanskrit terms helps in the listening, but the story would still shine without.

Loved it! Feminist take on ancient Hindu epic

Loved this feminist retelling of Mahabharata, a epic Hindu text. Panchali is such a fascinating character in Hindu mythology, and this book really takes the reader through her experience..Beautifully written, engrossing... Couldn't put it down/stop listening.

The narrator did a wonderful job with often difficult to pronounce Sanskrit words and names.

Wonderful!

I will listen to this again especially the last chapter. So evocative of India and beautifully narrated.

A great listen

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

This book is a fascinating piece of Indian fiction. It is a complex and interwoven story. Given the complexity, this may be a better read than listen unless you can really devote your attention to the story and the characters. The reader is great. Certainly a very enjoyable listen.

Illusions

Fantastic. Love this author. All her books are alluring and imaginative. After visiting India, I became very interested in reading exploring novels that mix myth and reality into a book.

Amazing must read if you like history

Love the narration, storytelling. This would be one of my favorite books! It’s basically Mahabharata story but spoken through the lens of Panchali.

Outstanding

Love the simple yet powerful characterisation of Panchali, the side we could never think of or hear about.

Brilliant!

Divakaruni did a wonderful job of introducing me to the Mahabharata. She is a master of simile and metaphor. I am sad that this story ended. It inspired me to read through the Wikipedia entries on this Indian epic, on Princess Draupadi (Panchaali), on the Pandavas and Kauravas, and the battle of Kurukshetra. Though it tells the story from the viewpoint of the key woman in the tale, it is not "chick lit" but a compelling tale of gods, demigods, sages and humans, with a climactic battle that seems like harbinger of nuclear holocaust.

Legends from a Feminine Perspective

This wonderful tale provides the backstory for the Hindu classic Bhagavad Gita, as related by the Sage Vyasa. In the book, Vyasa is one of the many characters who might-or might not- have exited in the India of thousands of years ago. Part fable, part family drama, and completely enchanting as read by Sneha Mathan, I enjoyed it completely, and will look for this authors work in the future. You go, girl!

Masterful storytelling from a feminine perspective

This wonderful book tells the story of the Mahabarata from the point of view of a woman within the story. It is vastly different to the origional which has a masculine tone. But it contains all the elements of a timeless tale with great spiritual insight. This is complemented by an excellent narrator. Highly recommended to all.