We have all seen and read the classic Mahabharata, with only one point of view, i.e., Krishna’s.
This enthralling book is the epitome of a women, narrated to us from the point of view of Draupadi. The Panchaali, who became the victim of a game of Shatranj? No.
This book highlights Draupadi as The Yagnaseni who unleashed her inner goddess and fought the demons of Dharma.
Chitra’s groundbreaking take on Draupadi’s relationships with Krishna and Karna, makes you question the whole saga.
With sticking to the storyline of the greatest war in history, to making us think if Krishna really is the "Sarathi" of dharma, Chitra changed the whole concept of war and love for me.
These feelings are not a part of Mahabharata and adding them in this book was the only liberty she took with the actual script.
The breaking point of this story is the questionable facts that she has highlighted about Krishna.
Until the last chapter she will make you question your faith in Krishna and his decisions in the whole saga. How you will think that he manipulated Draupadi to such an extent that she posed as a tormented soul rather than being her true self- the fierce, independent goddess.
On the other side, it also shows women in a position to empower themselves through thoughts of elicit affairs. If Chitra had toned down about Draupadi’s feelings for Krishna and Karna, maybe the readers would have perceived Draupadi in a positive light.
The bold step of taking Draupadi as her narrator, with her character complexities. It was fresh and a much-needed point of view. Although, her as a woman who is more attached to her palace than anyone else was a poor representation.
Apart from this the writing is not completely spectacular, but definitely a good read for someone who likes sagas and epic classics.