[4MA]⇒ Download Gratis The Palace of Illusions A Novel Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 9780385515993 Books

The Palace of Illusions A Novel Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 9780385515993 Books

Download As PDF : The Palace of Illusions A Novel Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 9780385515993 Books

The Palace of Illusions A Novel Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 9780385515993 Books

Revenge, flawed characters, complex relationships, illegitimate children, riches-to-rags, long drawn climax in the back drop of a war ... Mahabharata is indeed the consummate drama - universal and timeless. It is indeed my favorite epic of all times - the main reason I picked up Divakaruni's book. In the 70's I read the abridged version by Rajagopalachari; in the 80's I watched the soap opera style serialization on Indian National TV. Yet my most vivid memories of the epic trace back to my school days. When I was in the fourth grade, every day after I returned from school, my grandfather used to tell me the story of Mahabharata, which has left a indelible impression on my memory!

First, I commend Divakaruni for attempting what she did - presenting the epic from the perspective of the strong yet off beat Draupadi. Personally I have always been fascinated by Karan (Karna) - noble and brave yet somehow flawed- whose life is a series of mis-steps and mishaps. This book made me realize that Draupadi's character is equally complex, her story equally rich in a contorted way.

Divakaruni succeeds in drawing out the pathos and immersing the reader into the mind of Draupadi, the wife of five husbands! Resolute, manipulating, ill tempered - dusky Draupadi sounds and seems very real and more importantly succeeds in retaining the reader's sympathy despite her machinations! Even when some writing liberties are taken with respoect to the epic content, the result is not jarring. Some of the metaphors are novel. The irony of Draupadi's latent love for Karan while being married to his five brothers is very well captured with adequate attention given to the ancient times when depicting their encounters.

Where Divakaruni falters is in telling too much too quickly - which gives the narrative a sense of rush - as if in a hurry to get to the end and over with it. Halfway into the book I started to feel the drama is somehow missing. Crisp scenes to depict the underlying conflict and showing the feelings of her husbands in interaction with Draupadi could have helped retain the dramatic quotient. While Draupadi's ephiphany at the end is along expected lines, it lacks the punch to make it memorable. In one of the most cruical scenes in the book, Draupadi is forewarned by Vyaasa of three situations when her reaction would get her in trouble. Yet, when these events happen, Draupadi's reflections are weak or non existent. A little disappointing that an opportunity for making a greater impact has been missed!


Tags : The Palace of Illusions: A Novel [Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A reimagining of the world-famous Indian epic, the Mahabharat—told from the point of view of an amazing woman. Relevant to today’s war-torn world,Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni,The Palace of Illusions: A Novel,Doubleday,0385515995,Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology,Historical - General,India;History;Fiction.,India;History;To 324 B.C.;Fiction.,Asian American Novel And Short Story,Fiction,Fiction Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology,Fiction Historical,Fiction Literary,History,India,Literature: FolkloreMythology,To 324 B.C.

The Palace of Illusions A Novel Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 9780385515993 Books Reviews

A very ambitious story and practically a retelling of the Mahabharata. 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.
This was a beautiful story. The Mahabharata, an epic Indian poem, is told by Draupadi, a woman literally born from the flames. Draupadi, married to five brothers helps bring about the fall of he Third Age of Man. She relates the story of her life that began from flames to her rise to power as wife to five brothers, and then to her (and her brothers)final fate.

Through Draupadi's voice we learn about the struggle between two powerful families - the Pandavas and Kauravas. Not only is the story highly interesting, but the are many beautful meditations on life, love, and vengeance.

I read this book on my . The only bad part of the book was the family chart, which was hard to read. But once I really got involved in the story, I had little trouble keeping the charatcters straight. I found I really didn't need the chart that much. Someone else though might want to read a paper copy instead if they have trouble reading books with lots of characters.

I highlighted and made notations on many passages from this book, because I found them to be very thought provoking. I now feel compelled to read an English translation of the Mahabharata.

Here is one passage I thought was very wise Draupadi wants to find a golden lotus and thinks to herself, "I knew that the remedy lay not in finding a new flower but in Krishna had advised me over and again Let the past go. Be at ease. Allow the future to arrive at its own pace, unfurling its secrets when it will. I knew I should live the life that teemed around me this clear air, this newborn sunlight, the simple comfort of the shawl around my shoulders." ( locations 3110-16)

In conclusion,this was a wonderful book. I give it 4 1/2 stars. This book was absolutely beautiful.
Revenge, flawed characters, complex relationships, illegitimate children, riches-to-rags, long drawn climax in the back drop of a war ... Mahabharata is indeed the consummate drama - universal and timeless. It is indeed my favorite epic of all times - the main reason I picked up Divakaruni's book. In the 70's I read the abridged version by Rajagopalachari; in the 80's I watched the soap opera style serialization on Indian National TV. Yet my most vivid memories of the epic trace back to my school days. When I was in the fourth grade, every day after I returned from school, my grandfather used to tell me the story of Mahabharata, which has left a indelible impression on my memory!

First, I commend Divakaruni for attempting what she did - presenting the epic from the perspective of the strong yet off beat Draupadi. Personally I have always been fascinated by Karan (Karna) - noble and brave yet somehow flawed- whose life is a series of mis-steps and mishaps. This book made me realize that Draupadi's character is equally complex, her story equally rich in a contorted way.

Divakaruni succeeds in drawing out the pathos and immersing the reader into the mind of Draupadi, the wife of five husbands! Resolute, manipulating, ill tempered - dusky Draupadi sounds and seems very real and more importantly succeeds in retaining the reader's sympathy despite her machinations! Even when some writing liberties are taken with respoect to the epic content, the result is not jarring. Some of the metaphors are novel. The irony of Draupadi's latent love for Karan while being married to his five brothers is very well captured with adequate attention given to the ancient times when depicting their encounters.

Where Divakaruni falters is in telling too much too quickly - which gives the narrative a sense of rush - as if in a hurry to get to the end and over with it. Halfway into the book I started to feel the drama is somehow missing. Crisp scenes to depict the underlying conflict and showing the feelings of her husbands in interaction with Draupadi could have helped retain the dramatic quotient. While Draupadi's ephiphany at the end is along expected lines, it lacks the punch to make it memorable. In one of the most cruical scenes in the book, Draupadi is forewarned by Vyaasa of three situations when her reaction would get her in trouble. Yet, when these events happen, Draupadi's reflections are weak or non existent. A little disappointing that an opportunity for making a greater impact has been missed!