“Some women are lost in the fire. Some women are built from it.” -Michelle K, Some
This book follows the life of one such woman who was built from fire – Draupadi. She was a fire born princess who longed for love and acceptance from her family, a wife to five of the most powerful heroes of her time (who was not given the choice of a monogamous marriage), an absentee mother and the queen of the most magical palace to ever exist.
Draupadi was the one woman who stood out in the epic tale of Mahabharata, which was set in a time and age dominated by men. In those times, the men were the ones who took center stage. It was always about their strengths, their struggles, their egos and their opinions.
So, when I came to know about the plot of this book, I was excited to read it. For one, the author chose to re-write the epic from a woman’s perspective, and more importantly, the narrator was the formidable Draupadi. How could I resist? The way I look at it, in terms of concept, the author had hit the literary equivalent of a bullseye.
In this book, Draupadi is neither a victim, nor a one dimensional vengeance seeker that she is often portrayed to be. She is shown as a fiercely independent, rebellious woman, who wants to take her destiny into her own hands.
Interested in Indian Historical Fiction /Mythology? – Check Out Pradyumna by Usha Narayanan
The author did a wonderful job of sticking to the script of the original epic, and also managed to add something new to it by exploring the love story of Draupadi & Karna- the classic tragic hero.
The writing is simple, clean and straightforward. It was good to see that the author made her narrator the lens through which we see the story, but not necessarily the epicenter of all events. This ensured that the book did not come across as ‘Draupadi’s Random Recollections’. The story has a good flow and continuity, which will also enable someone new to the epic to follow the sequence of events.
I also liked the fact that the author chose to write about the circumstances after the great war, and the negative repercussions of the war that the victorious side had to deal with. It was interesting to read about how they resurrected their kingdom after the devastation of the war, the several years of Pandava rule that followed, and their final journey on a hill, especially because not much has been written about the post war period.
Most importantly, the book is concluded masterfully. I can’t say enough good things about the last chapter of this book. It is beautiful, magical and simply perfect. As soon as I finished reading the book, I re-read the last chapter. I never do that. It is THAT awesome.
However, there is one thing about the book that bothered me. As I read it, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the author seemed to have a slight negative bias against her narrator. It is a subtle bias, but it is there. If this can be overlooked, the book could easily pass off as Draupadi’s autobiography. Nonetheless, like I said, the ending was beautiful, and I will forgive a lot for a beautiful ending.
All in all, the book is an interesting insight into the mind of one of the most fascinating women in Indian history (yes history, not mythology).
My Favorite Quotes/Lines from the Book:
“Can our actions change our destiny? Or are they like sand piled against the breakage in a dam, merely delaying the inevitable?”
“Expectations are like hidden rocks in your path- all they do is trip you up.”
“Wisdom that isn’t distilled in our own crucible can’t help us.”
“I am buoyant and expansive and uncontainable – but I always was so, only I never knew it!”
GET THIS BOOK HERE:
Amazon One Link: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon India: Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
I would love to hear from you guys. Have you read this book? How did you find it? Did you love the ending as much as I did? Also, Indian Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and I am always on the lookout for some great reads. Do you have any recommendations?
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT!
Rajlakshmi
you surely have increased my interest… the storyline sounds so powerful and intriguing. Already looking out for an ebook 🙂
Rajlakshmi recently posted…On Surviving Weekends !!
Shanaya Tales
I am glad you liked the review, Raj. Do pick this one up. You will enjoy it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Tell a Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya | Book Review
Sundari Venkatraman
That’s a fabulous and detailed review Shantala. You have convinced me to read the book. At the cost of sounding pompous, it’s a joy to read your error free blog. 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Sundari. 🙂 <3
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Tell a Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya | Book Review
Shree Janani
Perfect review! I agree with almost all the points that you’ve mentioned about the book. This book was a refreshing change in a perspective. A woman’s point of view is always far interesting 😛
Shanaya Tales
It surely is. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Tell a Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya | Book Review
Nidhi
Shantala, now I want to read this book and I won’t rest till I get it. Thank you for putting in so much time and effort in reviewing books. Makes the job so easy for the readers. Your review is extremely well written. Can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much, Nidhi.
Yes, do read this one. You will love it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Tell a Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya | Book Review
Payal Bhuwania
Hello….enjoyed reading your take on this book…
I too am an avid reader and I write about the books I have read ,on my blog…
If u wish you can check out my views on this book at : writetothepoint.blogspot.com
Shanaya Tales
Hi Payal, thank you so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed reading the post. I am sure you will like the book too. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…I Too Had a Love Story by Ravinder Singh | Book Review
Jyotsna Bhatia
One of my favourite books till date. And guess what, this is the only book I have reviewed on my blog till date.
Jyotsna Bhatia recently posted…Doused Fire
Shanaya Tales
Yep, this one has made it to my all time favorites too. 😀 Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…I Too Had a Love Story by Ravinder Singh | Book Review
Gayathri Manikandan
Came here through the Book Club Blog Tours. Loved your review, would make anyone want to read the book. Am trying to improve my reviews and I believe I have lessons here on your blog 🙂
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much for your kind words, Gayathri. I am glad you found the review helpful. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Versatile Blogger Award
Alok Singhal
Wonderful review, Shanaya…i am not much into books especially history, but this looks like a good one if i ever have to 🙂
Alok Singhal recently posted…How can Toastmasters help you?
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes, if you ever want to explore historical fiction, this is a great read. Thanks for stopping by, Alok. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Versatile Blogger Award
Shailaja
Heard about the book and the praises too. Yet to read it and with time away from social media now I have a huge list to get through so will add this to the pile too. If you liked this you will love the Campfire graphic novel by Saraswati Nagpal on Draupadi the fire born princess. I reviewed it on my parenting blog. Gy loves it and so do I 🙂
Shailaja recently posted…Healing the cracks
Shanaya Tales
Thanks for letting me know. I will head on over and check your review. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Versatile Blogger Award
Vishal Bheeroo
I am a huge fan of Chitra Banerjee book. A balanced review that makes me wanna grab a copy.
Shanaya Tales
Thank you so much,Vishal. I am glad you found it helpful. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Versatile Blogger Award
Kaddu
I have not heard of this book, but your review makes me want to read it. I’ve never liked Indian Historical fiction so far… whatever little bit I have read it… until I came across Titli’s A-Z this year. In fact, I had given up on that genre completely before her series!
It’s good to see you active again here. I missed your posts last month.
Kaddu recently posted…My Favorite Fruit
Shanaya Tales
If you liked Titli’s AtoZ posts, you might enjoy this book too. Let me know how you found it, if and when you get around to reading it. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
the little princess
The review was wonderful!Did perfect justice to the book! This is one of my favorite books!
The part that stayed with me was Draupadi’s feeling that she was unwanted right from the start…her father wasn’t expecting her..she just came into existence. And that feeling carried throughout. She got what she never wanted and never got what she wanted! My heart went out to her by the time finished reading this!
the little princess recently posted…Awards!
Shanaya Tales
I know. Such a difficult existence. I also liked the parts where the author explored how she must have felt about a certain event. For e.g. The boon of virginity given by Vyasa. I mean it was such a useless boon from her perspective. She is correct is wishing for memory loss instead. 😛 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Somali K Chakrabarti
Hi Shanaya,
This is an interesting review. Had read about the book earlier too.
Couldn’t understand one point though, What exactly do you mean by “the author seemed to have a slight negative bias against her narrator. ” Would you mind elaborating this?
Somali K Chakrabarti recently posted…Brand Story of Fabindia : Blending modern designs- traditional patterns
Shanaya Tales
Well, I think while the author did a fab job of exploring the feelings of Draupadi, she was shown as extremely strong and defiant even in her weak moments, and there were times during the latter half of the book where the author seemed to have judged her narrator for seeking vengeance. It is difficult to pin point, however if you read the book, I am sure you will get it. 🙂
Nevertheless , that was just an observation from my side. This book is a highly recommended read. If you read this genre, do not miss this one. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Somali K Chakrabarti
I get your point. Had heard of this book earlier too. It is understandable that some amount of judgement is bound to creep in when sketching out the complexities of the character.
Somali K Chakrabarti recently posted…Brand Story of BIBA – Redefining contemporary ethnic fashion
Susan Gourley
I’m going to add that to my TBR book. It sounds very interesting. I’ve missed your posts.
Susan Gourley recently posted…Good Habits and Already Home
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes. The book is a very interesting read. It is based on a legendary Indian epic – The Mahabharata. Do let me know how you find it, when you get around to reading it. 🙂
P.S. I had been away on a long vacation to India post AtoZ. I am glad to be back. Looking forward to catching up with the blogosphere. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Nibha
I have heard about this book earlier. But your review wants me to buy it and start reading itbasap! Thanks for sharing!
Nibha recently posted…For One Last Time, I Turned Back!
Shanaya Tales
I am glad you found the review helpful. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
blogoratti
What a great review, I am sure it a great read!
Shanaya Tales
A great read, indeed. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Shilpa Garg
I have heard so much about this book. I must read it asap. Thanks for recommending it, Shantala and good to see you back 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Witness
Shanaya Tales
You are very welcome. 🙂 It is good to be back. I have missed interacting with you guys. Thank you so much for stopping by. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Soumya
This book has been in my ‘To Read’ list for quite a while now.
Once I’m done with my current lot of books, I’m picking this one.
Soumya recently posted…Finding Closure
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes. Do that. You won’t regret it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Lata Sunil
Shanaya, I am reading this book currently and its simply awesome. I was checking if you also felt it awesome. The woman’s perspective has made a lot of difference to the story. And the love for Karna, has been hinted upon by Devdutt Pattnaik too in his book Jaya. Imagine, if she had married Karna, the story changes completely. She would still be queen of the eldest Pandava. Duryodhan may have accepted Karna as King. And Draupadi need not have married five of them, the war would have been averted. Just a thought.
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes. Things would have been very different had Karna participated and won the Swayamvar. However, in some versions of the epic that I have read, they have speculated that if Karna had participated and won the Swayamvar, he would have done it on Duryodhan’s behalf. Draupadi would then be Duryodhan’s wife/queen, which I guess is not too bad, as she just might have been able to drill some sense into the guy. 😛
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review
Rachna
This sounds like an interesting book. Not an appealing genre for me though. 🙂
Rachna recently posted…June is here
Shanaya Tales
Oh yes, it is a good one. You can give it a try if you ever intend to explore this genre. Not too bulky or dense. It is a light quick read. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Book Review