himangshu8_'s review
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When we read the epic tale of Mahabharata, we often read it from the perspective of the kings, or you can say the male counterparts. But this book does the complete opposite, it presents to you the female perspective of Mahabharata.
We often ignore the fact that how much Important was Draupadi in the tale of Mahabharata was. We talked about the sacrifice of Kunti, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas. But we ignore the fact that Draupadi was the one who started the war among the brothers.
She had also lost her beloved brother her family and her most precious sons. Can you imagine how the great queen of Indraprastha, and Daughter of Drupad had lived her life? What did she feel when she had lost everything that she desired?
This book highlights everything about Draupadi’s birth to her death. Trust me her journey was as incredible and chaotic as the Pandavas. She can be held as the icon of Women's empowerment.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni wrote this book with immense research and dedication. She also included some of her views and reactions in the story. So don't think of everything as real. Read it like fiction, you will enjoy every bit of it.
There is not much to talk about the character development because everything is the same in the epic Mahabharata.
RATING: 5/5
I recommend this book to everyone. It has something unique to offer to everyone.
We often ignore the fact that how much Important was Draupadi in the tale of Mahabharata was. We talked about the sacrifice of Kunti, the Pandavas, and the Kauravas. But we ignore the fact that Draupadi was the one who started the war among the brothers.
She had also lost her beloved brother her family and her most precious sons. Can you imagine how the great queen of Indraprastha, and Daughter of Drupad had lived her life? What did she feel when she had lost everything that she desired?
This book highlights everything about Draupadi’s birth to her death. Trust me her journey was as incredible and chaotic as the Pandavas. She can be held as the icon of Women's empowerment.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni wrote this book with immense research and dedication. She also included some of her views and reactions in the story. So don't think of everything as real. Read it like fiction, you will enjoy every bit of it.
There is not much to talk about the character development because everything is the same in the epic Mahabharata.
RATING: 5/5
I recommend this book to everyone. It has something unique to offer to everyone.
parfait52's review
I didn't finish it because I had gotten almost halfway through and realized I didn't care for any of the characters. The author's writing style also isn't my personal preference. There was the occasional really pretty line or section of prose, but not enough to stimulate my brain. Maybe it was the wrong book at the wrong time for me, and I need to try it again later.
_honeydelarose's review
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rimjhimvyas's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
minimoony's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
witcherswife's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jombienerd's review
5.0
I put off reading this because I knew how it was going to end. I knew it would rip my heart out, but I still went through with it.
Draupati is such a complex character. She’s so real. She’s with flaws and imperfections but one of the strongest women I’ve ever read about. She lived her whole life for others despite having the desire to live for herself. She’s been cheated out of a wholesome life. I hope she finds happiness in the afterlife with Karna or maybe she reincarnates to another life free of the pain from her past and she would marry who she wants and live the life she couldn’t live. I want to believe that she found happiness in the end. Or else my heart wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Other characters dulled throughout the book. I would have really liked it if the author had built a personality for each Pandava rather than just stating facts about their achievements or specialties. I would have really liked to see more about Nakul or Sahadev. Bheem’s only characteristic was that he loved Panchaali and that he would do anything for her. Yudhisthir’s only trait was his righteousness. Arjun was just portrayed as ambitious. I didn’t like that the side characters in the story could be summed up in a word.
The Mahabharata has always been in my life from childhood, told to me by various sources throughout my life. But this retelling is like no other. Panchaali’s powerful point of view brought a new perspective to the story and her own character like I’ve never thought about before. The book was fascinating.
Karna and Draupati’s relationship was so beautifully written. I almost cried when when Draupati found out that he had liked her too. When his soul went over Panchaali’s weeping body, my heart couldn’t help but constrict. But I really couldn’t stop crying at Panchaali’s death where she couldn’t remember one instance of happiness in her life. And when she was finally going to the afterlife, Karna was there to lead her on with his outstretched hand. That moment even recalling it, brings tears to my eyes.
I loved the author’s writing throughout the book! I’m definitely going to check out her other works.
Draupati is such a complex character. She’s so real. She’s with flaws and imperfections but one of the strongest women I’ve ever read about. She lived her whole life for others despite having the desire to live for herself. She’s been cheated out of a wholesome life. I hope she finds happiness in the afterlife with Karna or maybe she reincarnates to another life free of the pain from her past and she would marry who she wants and live the life she couldn’t live. I want to believe that she found happiness in the end. Or else my heart wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Other characters dulled throughout the book. I would have really liked it if the author had built a personality for each Pandava rather than just stating facts about their achievements or specialties. I would have really liked to see more about Nakul or Sahadev. Bheem’s only characteristic was that he loved Panchaali and that he would do anything for her. Yudhisthir’s only trait was his righteousness. Arjun was just portrayed as ambitious. I didn’t like that the side characters in the story could be summed up in a word.
The Mahabharata has always been in my life from childhood, told to me by various sources throughout my life. But this retelling is like no other. Panchaali’s powerful point of view brought a new perspective to the story and her own character like I’ve never thought about before. The book was fascinating.
Karna and Draupati’s relationship was so beautifully written. I almost cried when when Draupati found out that he had liked her too. When his soul went over Panchaali’s weeping body, my heart couldn’t help but constrict. But I really couldn’t stop crying at Panchaali’s death where she couldn’t remember one instance of happiness in her life. And when she was finally going to the afterlife, Karna was there to lead her on with his outstretched hand. That moment even recalling it, brings tears to my eyes.
I loved the author’s writing throughout the book! I’m definitely going to check out her other works.
niharikashetty's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
juireads's review
4.0
I have read books about Mahabharata when I was in school. I have seen TV shows. I have watched YouTube videos about it but nothing was like reading this book. I was not able to put it down and was totally mesmerised by it. The writing is really good. Draupadi's POV was a new way to read Mahabharata.
One thing I absolutely loved in the book is how Kunti was portrayed. Kunti is very selfish and what she did with Karna was not okay in any way. In this book, Kunti is not glorified like she has been in other books/shows. Letting Karna be insulted and live a troublesome life, not acknowledging him, I hated her for this.
My knowledge about it is not vast but Draupadi really was in love with Karna? The pain she felt for him bothered me cause I have always thought she loved her husband, Arjun especially. I couldn't give 5 stars to the book cause that bothered me a little. Other than that this book was totally worth reading. I would definitely like to read more books by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
One thing I absolutely loved in the book is how Kunti was portrayed. Kunti is very selfish and what she did with Karna was not okay in any way. In this book, Kunti is not glorified like she has been in other books/shows. Letting Karna be insulted and live a troublesome life, not acknowledging him, I hated her for this.
My knowledge about it is not vast but Draupadi really was in love with Karna? The pain she felt for him bothered me cause I have always thought she loved her husband, Arjun especially. I couldn't give 5 stars to the book cause that bothered me a little. Other than that this book was totally worth reading. I would definitely like to read more books by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
renu_gajender_kumar's review
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0