Book Review: The Palace Of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

"The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an enchanting and thought-provoking novel that breathes new life into the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Divakaruni skillfully retells this epic tale from the perspective of Draupadi, one of its most captivating and complex characters, providing readers with a fresh and captivating narrative.

Set in a time of gods, kings, and legendary warriors, "The Palace of Illusions" transports us to a world filled with political intrigue, epic battles, and profound philosophical debates. However, what truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of the female protagonist's inner life, which has often been overlooked in traditional retellings of the Mahabharata.

Divakaruni's portrayal of Draupadi is both compelling and empowering. Through her eyes, we witness the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, as well as the strength, resilience, and determination that allow Draupadi to navigate these obstacles. Divakaruni gives Draupadi a distinct voice, infusing her with human emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities that make her relatable and multidimenmulti-dimensionalhor's writing style is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the opulent palaces, battlefields, and mythical realms of ancient India. Divakaruni's vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail create a vivid tapestry that immerses us in the sights, sounds, and scents of this captivating world. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, blending mythology, history, and fiction to create a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Furthermore, "The Palace of Illusions" offers a unique perspective on the events and characters of the Mahabharata. Divakaruni skillfully weaves together various elements of the original epic, capturing its grandeur while adding her imaginative twists. By delving into Draupadi's emotions, relationships, and personal growth, the author invites us to reconsider the motives and actions of the characters we thought we knew so well.

Beyond its captivating storytelling, the novel delves into deeper themes and universal truths. It explores the complexity of human nature, the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Divakaruni presents moral dilemmas that resonate with readers, forcing us to question our own beliefs and values.

"The Palace of Illusions" is not only a captivating work of historical fiction but also a celebration of female strength and resilience. It provides a platform for the voice of a woman who played a significant role in an ancient epic, allowing her story to be told with depth, empathy, and nuance. Through Draupadi's journey, readers are reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of self-discovery, and the potential for transformation even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a remarkable retelling of the Mahabharata that gives voice to a captivating female character. It combines rich storytelling, vivid imagery, and deep introspection to create a novel that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. If you are a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, this book is a must-read.

थोड़ा और दूर

थोड़ा और दूर लेकिन 

उस किनारे पर मुलाक़ात होगी 

जहाँ फासले नहीं

सिर्फ क़ुर्बत ही होगी 

सफर मुख़्तसर जरूर होगा 

मगर यादगार होगा 

कुछ कदम दूर 

हमारी मौजूदगी होगी 

जब हवाएँ चलेंगी 

झमाझम बारिश होगी

और तुम्हारे सारे तूफानों को 

समेटे ये फ़िज़ा होगी

 

फिर चाहे ये वक़्त

साथ न दे 

किस्मत में मयस्सर होना 

ना भी हो 

कुछ तुम्हारी कुछ मेरी बदौलत बनाई 

ये ज़ंजीरें कभी तो टूटेंगी 

बेशक़ चढ़ता सूरज 

साथ नहीं देखा 

यक़ीनन कभी ढलते हुए 

उसके तजुर्बों में तुम जरूर मिलोगे 

खुद में मैं तुम्हारी 

उल्झनें समाए तभी तो बेदर्द होंगी

Swirled Emotions!

Bizzare...

Approaching closer to the grounds

and there is another swamp 

It's all mixed up 

Not a circle 

but a triangle of emotions!

So far;

Always been pampered 

listened to; and treasured 

This is not just another sentiment!

Might seem-

building castles in the air 

However, if it didn't hold gravity 

How does it feel so heavy? 

Heaven!

So long finding the path

when it had just seemed 

standing by orientation 

It is time to leave it all behind 

And be lost; all over again!

My Devotion?

My devotion?

Less likely standing the constraints 

It's the mood 

The very state of mind...

Or maybe the heart; to be precise!

The levels of it-

might reach the limitless sky at times 

Or get a much lower 

the deepest trenches the other.

The secular 'me'

can acquire the supernatural power 

Of being orthodox-

on occasions or convenience!

Blind faith in those 

magnificent epics and texts;

nevertheless might come under the radar

of logic and rationality at times.

Untitled

Some words are better unsaid

For all the years 

that have passed by

There's something persistent

A strange mixed feeling emanates

recalling what not

& whatever happened

whenever I sensed the same feeling

The anguish of betrayal

With all the discomfort

now warning myself 

To go with the flow

Nevertheless, why do I care

After all, that happened

But for all the cautions ever taken 

have always led me to that dilemma again! 

Disaster

The minute hand stroke nine,

It was quarter to three.

Relaxing in the lawn, 

I felt a flurry breeze. 

Leaves rolling and thunderstorms,

Twirling winds with heavy rain. 

Objects flying none less than birds,

Everything just messed in the terrain.

Suddenly a tree fell upon a vehicle,

Thus making situations too bizarre. 

Further many trees were uprooted.

Hence destructing more street cars. 

Each blaming God for the disaster,

No wonder who is the actual culprit! 

Taking off from selfishness and greed, 

Humankind needs to admit it. 

If not taken care of at the moment, 

There may happen added disaster. 

We need to remember our accountability

Or else nature is the ultimate master!

The Art Of Writing (article)

THE ART OF WRITING

A good style of writing must have an air of novelty, at the same time concealing its art, says Aristotle. Newness is preferred in every field, including in writing. But, it should never appear glaring. A good style is also one which is clear and precise. There should be no ambiguity in your style. Always, a good style of writing is acquired and it is not an inborn quality. For a man to write well, three things are quite necessary. To read the best authors, observe the best speakers and exercise much of his own style. Anyway, imitation should stop at one stage and your own style should start to gain its grip over the course of events. A well-written piece is obviously clearly expressed. 

'Brevity is the soul of wit' is also one of the well-acclaimed styles of writing. To use more words to describe a particular thing prove to be wasting of words at the end of your writing. Touch and go' is yet another style of writing that the author leaves much for the readers to perceive and understand. 

Apt words in apt places go a long way to make writing lofty and reader-friendly, G.K. Chesterton clarifies about the style of writing, "A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author." A bad writing exposes the author and he is in a vulnerable position. In the matter of biography and autobiography this is a thumb rule that a well-written life is almost as rare as a well-spent one. Only a few life stories do not bore the readers. 

John Keats says about poetry, "If poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree, it had better not come at all.' As far as poems are concerned, the outflow of thoughts should be natural and easy going. Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings is one of the well-known definitions of poetry. Style is the dress of thought. A good writer knows how to dress his thoughts in a presentable way. A French writer, Baron de Montesquieu, says about his writing, "I suffer from the disease of writing books and being ashamed of them when they are finished". Some writers remain unsatisfied with their own writing though their work is muchly acclaimed by the readers.

A good writer strikes a face-to-face conversation with his readers, as writing is a sort of conversation by which the writer holds the attention of his readers throughout. A good writer is convincing and also realistic in his views, ideas and thoughts. Alexander Pope, in his 'Essay on criticism', says about writing, 'True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, as those move easiest who have learned to dance". Writing is an art, an effortless art, that is at times god gifted and also by rigorous practice.