Update on The Book Lovers Club

The Book Lovers Club had a very interesting 1st meet where we discussed a slew of books, each one brought along one book to speak
about, and the authors discussed ranged from Picault, to Manto to
Coetze, amongst others.

A lot of discussion happened on which book should be the one for July,
and we finally decided on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of
Illusions because it is an interesting take of mythology narrated from
Draupadi's perspective.So this is the book we will read and discuss in the next meet.

Also, if anyone would like to send in reviews of any book they have
enjoyed recently, please do mail it in to us, will post on the blog.

So moving on we are now meeting on 1st August ,at Prithvi Cafe and will be joined by Gauri Dange,author of 3 Zakia Mansion who will read a few excerpts from her upcoming book 'The Counsel Of Strangers'

To read more about Gauri follow the links to the blog
http://thebookloversreview.blogspot.com/2010/04/q-with-gouri-dange.html and
http://thebookloversreview.blogspot.com/2010/04/3-zakia-mansion.html

Do join us!The fun has just begun!

The Palace of Illusions

Read a lovely review of Palace of Illusions by Itchingtowriteblogs here.

The Palace of Illusions

]The Palace of Illusions is a book I picked on a whim at Crossword but I must say haven't regretted buying it even once!Many a times after buying a book and reading it I have instantly repented buying the book.I have a long list of badly plotted,over the top,over preachy books that I have bought and not enjoyed!

In today's times a good marketing strategy can sell any book at ridiculous prices too!The book that comes into my mind right away is 'The Mistress of the Game' which must have sold lacs of copies just because it had Sidney Sheldon written boldly on the cover but is actually written by another author as a tribute to the deceased celebrated author.I don't even remember the name of the actual author who has actually written it.It was supposedly a sequel to Sidney Sheldon's bestseller 'The Master of the Game'.I am sure even Mr.Sheldon would be squirming in his grave.

Ok so now to get to the point this book The Palace of Illusions has been written by Chitra Banerjee Divakurni and it is a guaranteed one sitting read.The story is about Paanchali (aka Draupadi) and the legendary Mahabharat through her eyes.What is unique about this book is that it is the first time that a book based on the great Indian mythology has been written through a woman's point of view.

The great war between the Kauravas and Paanchali's husbands the Paandavas triggered off because of Draupadi and the great humiliation she faced due to the Kauravas.It explores her relationship with Karna (who she deeply loved),Krishna (her friend and her guide),Kunti (her Mother in law-who she was always at loggerheads with) and her husbands (Yudishtir,Bheem,Arjun,Nakul and Sahdeva).

The book is easy flowing,riveting till the last page,insightful and more importantly beautifully written.

A must read!