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Sign up todayThe Palace of Illusions
A Novel
Narrator
Sneha Mathan
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
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Length
12 hours 21 minutes
Language
English
This vivid reimagining of the world-famous Indian epic Mahabharata takes us back to a time that is half history, half myth, and wholly magical. It is told by Panchaali, wife of the Pandava brothers, a fiery female redefining for us a world of gods and warriors.
The novel traces the princess Panchaali’s life, beginning with her birth in fire and following her spirited balancing act as a woman with five husbands who have been cheated out of their father’s kingdom. Panchaali is swept into their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war involving all the important kings of India. Meanwhile, we never lose sight of her strategic duels with her mother-in-law, her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna, or her secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husbands’ most dangerous enemy.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is the award-winning author of several bestselling novels and prizewinning story collections. She is the Betty and Gene McDavid Professor of Writing at the University of Houston’s creative writing program.
Sneha Mathan is a voice actor and audiobook narrator. Her audiobook work has received several Earphones awards, and she is a three-time Audie Award finalist. She lives in Seattle.
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Reviews
“A radiant entrée into an ancient mythology virtually unknown to the Western world…Remarkable.”
“An exotic escapist tale…Divakaruni has proven that her storytelling talents put her right up there with the best.”
“Divakaruni, renowned for her skillful take on women’s relationships, creates a very believable character in Panchaali, a queen who must choose between making history or following her true desires.”
“Vivid and inventive…Divakaruni’s rich, action-filled narrative contrasts well with the complex psychological portrait of a mythic princess.”
“Sneha Mathan expertly handles Divakaruni’s magical retelling of the Indian epic The Mahabharata from a woman’s point of view. Mathan reveals an astonishing versatility and range…Best of all is Mathan’s complex creation of the mythic Princess Panchaali. Listeners will be enchanted by Mathan’s insights into her character as well as by Mathan’s voice, which is beautiful and elegantly expressive…Divakaruni’s deeply imaginative writing and Mathan’s skillful narration make a winning combination.”
“Divakaruni has taken a male-centered story and breathed new life into its female characters, giving us a rich tale of passion and love, power and weakness, honor and humiliation. Whether or not readers are familiar with the Mahabharat epic, still fascinating and relevant several millennia on, they will enjoy this entertaining, insightful, and suspenseful story.”
“By rendering the women characters as complexly as the men, and fully illuminating the ‘insanity of war’ and the fragility of civilization, Divakaruni’s historic and transporting variation adds new and truly revelatory psychological and social dimensions to the great epic’s indelible story of sacrifice and spiritual awakening. Divakaruni has triumphantly fulfilled a profound mission.”
“Divakaruni has woven a lyrical tale imbued with the scent of ancient incense, yet simultaneously rooted in modern-day relevancy. Brimming with betrayals, religious fervor and war-torn streets, The Palace of Illusions is a journey experienced from the vantage point of Panchaali, a powerful woman driven by love, honor and, in the end, a fate that unfolds despite her resolve."
“Gods intervene, divine weapons waylay whole battalions, a fantastical palace inspires a war, yet Divakaruni manages to keep the story human and relevant…an intimate, feminine portrait that is both contemporary and timeless. An ambitious project effectively executed.”
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