48 pages • 1 hour read
Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Palace of Illusions
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Panchaali, a princess born from fire and foretold to be a powerful queen with five husbands, navigates a life filled with divine guidance from Krishna, complex relationships, and sociopolitical strife, ultimately playing a pivotal role in a catastrophic war that reshapes her world. This book includes depictions of violence and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni reimagines the Mahabharata through Draupadi's eyes, blending rich narrative and cultural depth. Readers praise its lyrical prose and feminist perspective. Some criticize the slow pacing and deviations from the original epic. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read that offers a fresh angle on classic mythology.
Who Should Read The Palace of Illusions?
Readers who enjoy mythological retellings with strong female protagonists will be captivated by The Palace of Illusions. Fans of Circe by Madeline Miller or The Red Tent by Anita Diamant will appreciate Divakaruni’s reimagining of the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. This novel blends history, fantasy, and feminist themes seamlessly.