Book Review - The Palace of Illusions

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Hello!!

Today I am going to share about a book, which was unexpected! I got the book because of the title and the cover page, not knowing anything about this book. It is ...

The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

The Palace of Illusions is a refreshing retelling of the Mahabharata, but what makes it truly special is that it’s told from the perspective of Draupadi, a character who never really had a voice in the original epic. Through her eyes, the story feels more personal, emotional, and even rebellious at times. The book takes you through her journey—from her mysterious birth out of fire to her life as the queen of the Pandavas—all while exploring her thoughts, desires, and struggles in a male-dominated world.

What I loved most is how relatable Draupadi feels. She’s strong, curious, outspoken, and flawed—which makes her real. Her secret longing for Karna, her complicated relationships with her five husbands, and her bond with Krishna add layers to her character. The writing is beautiful and easy to follow, and the story flows like a mix of mythology and drama, with plenty of emotion and introspection.

While the beginning and middle of the book are gripping, the last few chapters start to lose pace, and for some readers (including me), it might feel a bit heavy or stretched. But overall, it’s a powerful read—especially if you enjoy mythology with a modern, feminist twist.

Your conclusion is honest and has a nice personal touch—which is great! But with a small tweak, you can make it flow more smoothly and sound a bit more polished while still keeping the casual tone.

I usually don’t pick up mythology-based books because they don’t really interest me, but this read was a complete fluke—and honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

I’d rate it a solid 3.9/5 ⭐

Happy reading! :) 


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