The Palace of Illusions

‘By rendering the women characters as complexly as the men ... 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’ Booklist ‘An epic story ... poignantly told’ Hindustan Times ‘A radiant entree into an ancient mythology ... Remarkable’ Houston Chronicle ‘The Palace of Illusions is unique, amongst Divakaruni’s very best ... A creative, illuminating feminist work’ India Currents

‘An intimate, feminine portrait that is both contemporary and timeless’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Divakaruni has taken a male-centred story and breathed new life into its female characters, giving us a rich tale of passion and love, power and weakness, honour and humiliation ... entertaining, insightful and suspenseful’ Library Journal‘A mythic tale brimming with warriors, magic and treachery ... Divakaruni’s sentences dazzle; the images she creates are masterful’ Los Angeles Times ‘Enchanting ... Divakaruni’s storytelling talents put her right up there with the best’ Miami Herald ‘Divakaruni’s prose is as spirited as Panchaali herself, written with energy and humour’ Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
‘Vivid and inventive ... Divakaruni’s rich, action-filled narrative contrasts well with the complex psychological portrait of a mythic princess’ Publishers Weekly ‘Complex, beautifully wrought ... Divakaruni’s feminist reading of Indian lore offers readers a magical lens into the political interplay of gender, castes, birthright and life in the monarchy’ Rocky Mountain News

‘The Palace of Illusions is not only an exciting, action-packed read, but also an educating one, and will likely encourage those curious enough to delve into the original Mahabharata’ Toronto Star

‘A daring novel ... inhabited by kings, queens, villains and sorcerers’ Vogue India