Ask the Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Answered Questions (37)
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Hi Nitin,
Sorry, my Bengali is not good enough, as I have mostly lived outside Bengal and did not study in a Bengali school. But some of my books have been translated into Bengali.
Sorry, my Bengali is not good enough, as I have mostly lived outside Bengal and did not study in a Bengali school. But some of my books have been translated into Bengali.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Isaura, I like Shahrnush Parsipur and Porochista Khakpour and Nawal El Saadawi.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Erin, thanks! every once in a while I think of a 3rd novel in the series. so maybe!
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Thanks, Dee. A simple but fun translation is Rajagopalachari's Ramayana. It's one of my sources as I write my novel on the Ramayana
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
That's a tough question! My mother never talked about her first husband--except she mentioned it once. To find out about that would be very interesting. But it might be painful as well.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Thank you, Avani. there is a wonderful novel on Karna already, titled Mrityunjaya. Do check it out.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Amina, I've always wanted to re-tell one of the major Indian epics from the point of view of an important woman character –and Draupadi seemed like the perfect fit.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
thank you Sneha! Readers like you inspire me to keep writing.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Prarthi,
that word means so many different things to so many different people. I believe in the right of a woman to live a life of dignity and to be allowed to make some basic and important choices. How's that?
that word means so many different things to so many different people. I believe in the right of a woman to live a life of dignity and to be allowed to make some basic and important choices. How's that?
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
thank you Ramya. I am hard at work on the Sita novel. pplease send me good energy!
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
My mother has been a strong influence – the grandmother in the book, Sabitri, lives in Kolkata at the same time as my mother did, and some of her early life when she goes to college, was based on my mother's influences.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Isaiah, So glad you liked Palace of Illusions. I think Smith and epic are very powerful forms. They reach deep inside us, and change our preconceptions about ourselves. Therefore, I believe that a woman centered text like Palace of Illusions, based on the epic Mahabharat, can change our views as to the importance and power of women in our society.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Prasad, thanks for reading Arranged Marriage. My latest book, Before We Visit the Goddess, is a novel in stories. The stories are all connected to give the reader the ark of three women's lives – a grandmother, mother and daughter. But each story is complete in itself. Take a look. You can read the first story here:
http://amzn.to/1UWItX6
http://amzn.to/1UWItX6
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Swagata, Draupadi/Panchaali in Palace of Illusions is based on the epic the Mahabharat. I have added to her character elements that I believe make her timeless, interesting, and a complex woman. I made these changes based on my understanding of the original epic.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Ankit, it is a mix. The actions are facts from the original epic of Vyasa. The thoughts and motives are my creation.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Sheetal,
so happy to hear that you have enjoyed Palace. I did a lot of research – took me a long time. I read many versions of the Mahabharat, as well, as did research on the period. And the lifestyle of the people of the period. and I read novels such as Yagnaseni and Mrityunjaya which retell the story in unique ways.
so happy to hear that you have enjoyed Palace. I did a lot of research – took me a long time. I read many versions of the Mahabharat, as well, as did research on the period. And the lifestyle of the people of the period. and I read novels such as Yagnaseni and Mrityunjaya which retell the story in unique ways.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Prarthi, I am so glad you enjoyed Palace. I always wanted to read tell the wonderful story of the Mahabharat from a woman's point of view. I felt it was important to do that.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Nymph, thank you! So glad you have read my books and enjoyed them.
I hope one day you will own all my books!
I am very old – you will have to do Internet research to find out exactly how old!
I hope one day you will own all my books!
I am very old – you will have to do Internet research to find out exactly how old!
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Aparna, I just came out with my newest book, Before We Visit the goddess, three generations of women – grandmother, mother, and daughter – who examined the question What does it mean to be a successful woman? hope you will check it out. Sorry for the long delay in answering your question – haven't been on this site for a while . I do check my Facebook page every day at this link https://www.facebook.com/chitradivaka...
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
I did to an extent, Shweta. But I also observed carefully the other immigrant men and women around me.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more