Recently I read (heard would be more appropriate, as I listened to the audio book) the book - The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
The Palace of Illusions is Mahabharatha retold by Draupadi (Panchali) through her experiences and interpretations. I really enjoyed reading it, even though Mahabharatha is not new to me. The fresh perspective the book brought in excited me, shocked and surprised me at various stages. The first person narrative was very refreshing, although not new. I had just finished reading "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martel, which has the same narrative style.
The book nicely blends the epic saga with some very contemporary issues - politics, philosophy, ethics, morality and equality of women in the society. Once can draw many parallels with one's own life experiences with that of Draupadi. It also draws our attention to the lesser known or discussed aspects of the epic story - that of the complex relations between the numerous characters.
Try reading (or listening - as I did. The audio book was one of the best I have laid my hands upon. The narration by Sneha Mathan was exceptional) and share your thoughts.
