The two clash often throughout most of their lives, but there will come a time when they finally see each other eye to eye. Along with the charismatic Panchaali, readers are introduced to the unnerving Kunti, Panchaali’s mother-in-law, who is doing what she can to make her daughter-in-law’s life deplorable. Women are strong characters in this version of the tale and take center stage. Panchaali wants to be taught the ways of men and how they acquire power, and she learns all she can from her brother who meant a lot to her and his teacher.Ī sage tells Panchaali early in life that she will end up marrying five men and that she will be the reason for the start of a great war, which will destroy the “Third Age of Man.” Panchaali doesn’t believe this at first, but as the divinations come true one after another, she admits that the wise sage was right and realizes that her life is not going to be an easy one. Rather than sitting at home, she yearns for the life that males were granted.

Narrated by Panchaali, the wife of the legendary Pandavas.

Relevant to today’s war-torn world, The Palace of Illusions takes us back to a time that is half history, half myth, and wholly magical. Sneha Mathan expertly handles Divakarunis magical retelling of the Indian epic THE MAHABHARATA from a womans point of view. As a child, Panchaali is a head-strong girl who finds ways to learn things that only boys were taught in school. A reimagining of the world-famous Indian epic, the Mahabharattold from the point of view of an amazing woman.

The palace of illusions