What if the Mahabharata was told from Draupadi’s perspective? The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a bold and fascinating retelling of the epic, giving voice to one of the most powerful yet misunderstood women in mythology.
This bestselling novel takes us into Draupadi’s inner world—from her birth in fire to her marriage to five husbands, her secret love for Karna, and the events that lead to the devastating war of Kurukshetra. It’s a story of love, ambition, destiny, and the illusions we live by, told in poetic language that stays with you long after the last page.
Themes of feminism, identity, forbidden love, and fate vs free will make this book timeless and highly relevant in 2025. Draupadi is portrayed as strong, unapologetic, and deeply human—a woman who refuses to be defined by tradition.
Some of its most unforgettable lines include:
“A problem becomes a problem only if you believe it to be so.”
“Illusion is sometimes all that keeps us going.”
“A woman who dares to want more than she is allowed is a dangerous thing.”
If you love mythology, feminist literature, and powerful storytelling, The Palace of Illusions is a must-read this year.
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