The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni

The Palace of Illusions takes us back to a time that is half-history, half-myth, and wholly magical; narrated by Panchaali, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, we are – finally – given a woman’s take on the timeless tale that is the Mahabharata

Tracing Panchaali’s life – from fiery birth and lonely childhood, where her beloved brother is her only true companion; through her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna; to marriage, motherhood and Panchaali’s secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands’ most dangerous enemy – The Palace of Illusions is a deeply human novel about a woman born into a man’s world – a world of warriors, gods and the ever manipulating hands of fate.

‘A mythic tale brimming with warriors, magic and treachery’ Los Angeles Times

‘A radiant entree into an ancient mythology . . . Charming and remarkable’ Houston Chronicle

‘A woman’s look at crime and punishment, loyalty, promises, love and vengeance . . . With The Palace of Illusions, Divakaruni has proven that her storytelling talents put her right up there with the best’ Miami Herald