[Pdf free] The Palace of Illusions: A Novel The Palace of Illusions: A Novel

zUW6Rmgo5 The Palace of Illusions: A Novel Eg8SOLBm7 XS-79949 0nKCRjrcS USmix/Data/US-2009 HZeoD7eYP 3.5/5 From 669 Reviews XEUZ1ZFq6 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni DrWh2lOFE *Download PDF | ePub | DOC | audiobook | ebooks tCLVf7p4W wF8YulCXg SkPbc8x7u kQTmlU0Qv FPgUAfBOG KtYEO1Vrs WQyhV3Xqw I26TF3tLg 0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I didn't care for the yPw8kJxgr protagonist. Excellent otherwise.By Mary Soon LeeI love the idea underpinning 3p7bYWbCn this novel: to retell part of the Mahabharat from the perspective of one of the MlZtO3hRP women (specifically Panchaali). Indeed my greatest delight in this book was the cXJozTQRf insight it provided into the Mahabharat, a work that was already on my reading 1CRiOTF43 list, and is now considerably higher on that list.Having recently read "The GQJEpUzlm Iliad," I was interested in parallels between the two books, or, more A1BtkwlST fundamentally, between "The Iliad" and the Mahabharat. Both deal with veKCbgGzY interactions between a pantheon of gods and humans. Both have flawed heroes J1je4SRZG whose destinies are ordained. Both have a war that causes grim and terrible llwk3Zl2G slaughter."The Palace of Illusions" is nicely narrated by its central character, ERRHVhLcs Panchaali. The voice in which she tells the tale felt suited to its setting, and is at K66RrZSfo times quite beautiful. I especially admired the eloquent and moving closing IpGm4YUQL chapter. I note, however, that I did end up wondering when and to whom 23YUt3v4G Panchaali was telling the story. This is a minor quibble, shared by many first person narratives.My one major problem with the book is that I didn't like Panchaali. I can see that other readers might differ. Aspects of Panchaali's personality are very appealing. Her independent nature. Her intelligence. Her strength. But, for me, these were not sufficient to offset negative traits, including her deeply vengeful nature and her deficiency of kindness. Since I'm the type of reader who strongly prefers likable protagonists, this substantially reduced my enjoyment.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Palace of IllusionsBy raypal45A very ambitious story and practically a retelling of the . Cleverly done in parts by putting episodes in dreams and visions. But a lot is lost by trying to get everything in one novel. However well written. The reader who is familiar with the original epic will not be too disappointed. From a novel woman's approach.32 of 33 people found the following review helpful. A classic myth gets a new fresh look in The Palace of IllusionsBy Rebecca HustonWhen I was a child, there was a book in the school's library that enchanted me -- The Five Sons of King Pandu by Elizabeth Seeger. A simplified retelling of the massive Indian classic, , it centers mostly around the stories of five brothers, semi-divine beings who go literally from rags to riches to enlightenment to the sound of battles and heroic deeds.And even more central to the story is of the remarkable , the exquisite princess who becomes the wife of the five brothers -- all at the same time. But along with the Pandavas, Draupadi also acquires Kunti, her demanding, bitter mother-in-law. Chitra Benerjee Divakaruni takes this story, and by telling it through the eyes of Draupadi, gives it all a unique spin.For Draupadi -- or Panchaali, as she also named -- is also the product of a magical birth. Born in the flames of a fire, she and her twin brother, Dhristadyumna, destined to fulfill their father's terrible thirst for revenge against his sworn brother, Drona. There is also their cousin, Krishna, dark-skinned and irresistible to both men and women, and who seemingly can't give a straight answer without a riddle attached. Draupadi finds herself longing for a marriage to a brave prince, who will make her a dazzling queen in her own palace -- but when a fortune-teller prophecies that not only will she have just that, but also bring about the end of the Third Age of Man, Draupadi starts to suspect that having exactly what she wants may not be the same as wanting it. For when the contest is held to pick her husband-to-be, not only is she a contested prize, but she meets someone that will change her life forever... and change the course of the great civil war that is to come.I have to say, this is quite a novel. There are magical weapons, conflict, lust, jealousy, anger, but also heroism, justice, and most of all, love. While I was already familiar with the story, there were enough new elements there to keep the tale fresh and revealing. And Draupadi is quite different than just about any other princess in literature -- instead of being a passive player, here she is the prime cause of the Pandavas' deadly feud towards their cousins, the treacherous Kauravas, and how they avenge her humiliation and degradation at their hands. She's also prideful, arrogant, and downright b!tchy in spots, not afraid to harangue her husbands, and even long for a man who has a secret that will change everything -- if he dares to do so.In fact, I found the character of Karna, a brilliant and honorable warrior, who is more kingly than those born to the role, the most interesting one in the book. Despite that there isn't much in the book that has him as a player in the story, he is throughout the story, and the frustrated desire of Draupadi that is never hinted at in public, but colours nearly all of her actions and thoughts.For anyone who is interested in the myths and legends of India, this is a must-read. Divakaruni's writing is brisk and imaginative, delving into the innermost thoughts of Draupadi, and making her a very believable and human character. While keeping track of all of the various characters and their rather intricate names can be a bit of a chore, the author has thoughtfully provided a glossary of all of the characters and a family tree to keep everyone straight. Unusually, the author's note is at the beginning of the book, rather than at the end, and she discusses her reasons for writing this story.All in all, this was a very good novel, full of surprises and insights, and moved very quickly. For those who are looking for something unusual, this one should fit the bill quite nicely.Four and a half stars, rounded off to four. Recommended.The Palace of IllusionsChitra Banerjee Divakaruni2008; Doubleday BooksISBN 978-0-385-51599-3

Taking us back to a time that is half history, half myth and wholly magical, bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni gives voice to Panchaali, the fire- born heroine of the Mahabharata, as she weaves a vibrant retelling of an ancient epic saga.Married to five royal husbands who have been cheated out of their father's kingdom, Panchaali aids their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war. But she cannot deny her complicated f ...