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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 Pandavas 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.
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Reviews
"Vivid and inventive…Divakaruni's rich, action-filled narrative contrasts well with the complex psychological portrait of a mythic princess."
Publishers Weekly
"Divakaruni has taken a male-centered story and breathed new life into its female characters, giving us a rich tale of passion and love, power and weakness, honor and humiliation. Whether or not readers are familiar with the Mahabharat epic, still fascinating and relevant several millennia on, they will enjoy this entertaining, insightful, and suspenseful story."
Library Journal
"Sneha Mathan expertly handles Divakaruni's magical retelling of the Indian epic The Mahabharata from a woman's point of view. Mathan reveals an astonishing versatility and range…Best of all is Mathan's complex creation of the mythic Princess Panchaali. Listeners will be enchanted by Mathan's insights into her character as well as by Mathan's voice, which is beautiful and elegantly expressive…Diva
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