The Palace of Illusions (2008) by Chitra Divakaruni
www.chitradivakaruni.com
Chitra’s latest novel, The Palace of Illusions takes readers back to the time of the Indian epic The Mahabharat—a time that is half-history, half-myth, and wholly magical. Through her narrator Panchaali, the wife of the legendary five Pandava brothers, Divakaruni gives us a rare feminist interpretation of an epic story.
“A rich tale of passion and love, power and weakness, honor and humiliation. Whether or not readers are familiar with the Mahabharat epic, they will enjoy this entertaining, insightful and suspenseful story.” (Library Journal, starred review)
“An intimate, feminine portrait that is both contemporary and timeless; an ambitious project effectively executed.” (Kirkus)
Arranged Marriage (1995) by Chitra Divakaruni
www.chitradivakaruni.com
Chitra’s first collection of short stories presents several portraits of women caught between two cultures and two worlds. In these stories she addresses a wide range of issues such as racism, interracial relationships, social classes and economic disparities that contribute to a deeper understanding of today’s Indian society.
“A remarkably strong debut…The all-too-imperfect lives of Divakaruni’s heroines, like precious gems, are unrecognized treasures, worthy of being praised, protected and held dear.” (San Jose Mercury News)
“Beautifully told stories of transformed lives…Both liberated and trapped by cultural changes on both sides of the ocean, these women struggle fiercely to carve out an identity of their own.” (San Francisco Chronicle)
For faculty who would like to introduce additional material about India and Indian culture and life that compliments the themes and subject matter of Chitra Divakaruni’s novel and short story collection, a list of contemporary Indian films is included here. These have been released to a general audience and should work well with any class level.
A Passage to India
Monsoon Wedding
The Namesake, based on the book by Jhumpa Lahiri
Slumdog Millionaire
Vivah (Bond of Marriage)
Mangal Pandey (The Rising)
Bride and Prejudice (Bollywood adaptation based on Pride and Prejudice)
