THE PALACE OF ILLUSIONS

Sneha Mathan expertly handles Divakaruni's magical retelling of the Indian epic THE MAHABHARATA from a woman's point of view. Mathan reveals an astonishing versatility and range. She expresses the Indian-inflected voices of characters old and young, male and female, distinguishing them from one another. Her ability to create these uniquely voiced characters greatly helps listeners with the not insignificant task of keeping people and situations straight in this sweeping story. Best of all is Mathan's complex creation of the mythic Princess Panchaali. Listeners will be enchanted by Mathan's insights into her character as well as by Mathan's voice, which is beautiful and elegantly expressive as she tells Panchaali's long and sometimes sorrowful tale. Divakaruni's deeply imaginative writing and Mathan's skillful narration make a winning combination. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2009 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]