The Palace of Illusions (2008)

Panchaali, also known as Draupadi, sets the scale of this Mahabharata through her childhood, relationships, desires and political entanglements. The epic world remains immense, but its conflicts are experienced through an inward life that cannot be reduced to her place in a dynasty. A basic account of the Pandavas is helpful company. Divakaruni's interpretation is especially rewarding for comparing the meanings assigned to a woman's choices by her own account and by the powerful people around her.