Palace of Illusions - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

The Palace of Illusions is a retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, the enigmatic and fiery queen who plays a central role in the epic. Written by acclaimed author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the novel reimagines Draupadi’s story—her emotions, relationships, inner conflicts, and untold desires—in a way that is both deeply human and powerfully feminist

Told in first person, Draupadi’s voice is bold, intelligent, and emotionally complex. From her mysterious birth in fire to her tumultuous marriage to the five Pandava brothers, and her central role in the game of dice and the great war of Kurukshetra, the novel focuses on what it means to be a woman with agency in a deeply patriarchal society.

This is not the Draupadi of silence and shadows, but one who questions her fate, her choices, and the world around her.

Chitra Banerjee’s prose is lyrical, rich, and vivid, blending myth with emotion in a way that feels both ancient and modern. She brings out the magical realism of the Mahabharata without compromising on psychological depth.

What surprised me in this novel was how revered figures like Krishna, Vyasa, and Bheeshma were portrayed not as divine or noble icons, but simply as fallible human beings, often referred to just by name. At times, this approach felt somewhat disrespecting and made me question the author’s tone. Midway through the book, I also felt the narrative became overly introspective, focusing heavily on “I, me, and myself,” which made Draupadi come across as self-centered.

One perspective that stood out was the portrayal of Kunti—not as a passive mother but as a strategic mind behind Draupadi’s marriage to all five Pandavas, suggesting it was a calculated move rather than a mistake. It made me wonder: were “saas-bahu dynamics” already a thing during the Dwapara Yuga?

The Palace of Illusions is a powerful, imaginative, and moving retelling that gives Draupadi her rightful place—not just in the epic, but in the modern reader’s heart. It’s a celebration of voice, strength, and womanhood in the face of destiny and tradition.

Many Masters and Many Lives - Dr. Brian L. Weiss

What if the fears and anxieties we face in this life are echoes from lives we’ve lived before? This question lies at the heart of Many Lives, Many Masters, a groundbreaking and thought-provoking memoir by Dr. Brian L. Weiss, a prominent psychiatrist who found himself pulled into the world of past-life regression through the therapy of one extraordinary patient.

The story begins with Catherine, a young woman plagued by persistent anxiety and unexplained fears. After traditional therapeutic approaches yield little progress, Dr. Weiss tries hypnotherapy, hoping to uncover repressed childhood memories. What unfolds instead is astonishing—Catherine begins to recall detailed accounts of past lives, spanning various cultures and historical periods. As her sessions continue, she also channels messages from spiritual beings Dr. Weiss refers to as “Masters,” who share insights on life, death, and the evolution of the soul.

Dr. Weiss, who was initially a staunch skeptic rooted in medical science, documents his internal struggle to reconcile what he’s witnessing with his formal training. His transformation is gradual and sincere, and it’s this journey—more than the hypnotic revelations themselves—that makes the book so compelling. Many Lives, Many Masters reads not like a clinical case study, but like a personal diary of a man questioning the boundaries of science and spirituality.

The writing is accessible and engaging, making complex ideas feel approachable to a wide range of readers. While the book doesn’t provide scientific validation of reincarnation, it doesn’t really try to. Instead, it shares a deeply human story about healing, belief, and the mysteries of consciousness. It challenges readers to think beyond the material and to consider the soul’s journey from a broader, perhaps eternal, perspective.

Of course, not everyone will be convinced. Critics argue that the evidence is anecdotal and lacks empirical support, which is a fair point. But the value of this book may lie not in proving reincarnation, but in opening up a meaningful conversation about it. Whether taken as a spiritual text, a psychological case study, or simply an intriguing narrative, Many Lives, Many Masters leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re curious about life after death, the possibility of reincarnation, or the ways unresolved trauma might travel across lifetimes, this book is worth your time. It’s not just about one patient’s healing—it’s about the awakening of a mind that dared to look beyond the limits of conventional thinking.

Nemesis by Agatha Christie

 

Last few weeks have been utterly disbelieving and devastating at the same time. Life is fragile. Grief and uncertainty have a way of making us search for meaning, even in smallest of the things. 

Nemesis is one of Agatha Christie’s later Miss Marple novels, first published in 1971. In it, Jane Marple is called upon by a deceased acquaintance, Mr. Jason Rafiel, to investigate a crime — without being told what exactly happened or whom it involves. Trusting her instincts and powers of observation, Miss Marple sets off on a guided tour across England, piecing together clues that gradually uncover a dark story involving lost love, injustice, and murder.

In Nemesis, Miss Marple is at her very best — sharp, wise, and deeply human, with her subtle, almost invisible methods of detection being a real fascination to watch unfold. Agatha Christie masterfully builds an eerie, brooding atmosphere throughout the novel, where a sense of something terribly wrong lingers behind every conversation and setting. Unlike her more straightforward whodunits, Nemesis offers remarkable psychological depth, reflecting thoughtfully on themes like justice, aging, guilt, and memory. The complex narrative structure, where the crime is revealed piece by piece long after it occurred, showcases Christie’s brilliance in slowly drawing the reader deeper into the mystery.

The pacing of Nemesis can feel slow at times, especially when compared to Christie’s earlier, tighter plots; readers who prefer rapid-fire mysteries might find the story a bit languid. Much of the investigation unfolds through Miss Marple’s conversations and her careful analysis of people’s words and behaviors, which, while true to her style, may seem too subtle for those expecting more direct action. Although the climactic twist is satisfying, it may not deliver the same level of shock or punch as some of her other books. 

Icon - Frederick Forsyth

Frederick Forsyth’s Icon is a gripping political thriller set in the turbulent landscape of post-Soviet Russia in the 1990s. True to Forsyth’s signature style, the novel combines meticulous research, a complex web of espionage, and high-stakes political intrigue to craft a chillingly plausible near-future scenario.

The story unfolds in 1999 when Russia is on the verge of economic collapse, and a new leader, Igor Komarov, emerges with promises of restoring order. However, a secret document, The Black Manifesto, reveals his true intentions—a fascist dictatorship that would plunge Russia into chaos and threaten global stability. When Western intelligence gets hold of the manifesto, an urgent covert operation is launched to prevent Komarov’s rise to power.

The mission involves an ex-CIA operative, Jason Monk, a seasoned spy who must ou tmaneuver ruthless adversaries, navigate shifting alliances, and work against the clock to stop Komarov. The novel blends real-world geopolitics with a fast-paced, intricate narrative, making it both engaging and eerily realistic.

Forsyth’s background in investigative journalism and intelligence research shines through. His detailed descriptions of espionage tactics, military operations, and political maneuvering make the story feel incredibly authentic.

Jason Monk is a well-developed character, a veteran intelligence officer burdened by past failures but determined to make a difference. His expertise and strategic thinking drive the novel forward.The story moves at a breakneck pace, with multiple perspectives adding layers of intrigue. The political stakes feel high, and the tension builds effectively toward a gripping climax.The novel, published in 1996, eerily predicts a resurgence of authoritarianism in Russia, making it feel almost prophetic. Forsyth’s insights into global politics and power struggles remain relevant even today.

At times, the novel gets bogged down in heavy political discussions and background explanations. While this adds depth, it can slow the pace for readers looking for non-stop action. 

Icon is a masterfully crafted thriller that blends historical context, political foresight, and espionage action into a compelling read. Forsyth fans and lovers of geopolitical thrillers will find it engaging, though readers looking for more character-driven storytelling may find it a bit dry in parts.