6 Must-Read Chitra Divakaruni Books That Are Absolute Gems

The Mistress of Spices

This novel tells the story of Tilo, a woman trained in the mystical art of spices, who helps customers solve their problems through the magical properties of her spices. It’s a beautifully written tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

The Palace of Illusions

A reimagining of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. Divakaruni’s retelling offers a fresh and feminist perspective on this ancient tale of war, loyalty, and destiny.

Sister of My Heart

This novel explores the deep bond between two cousins, Sudha and Anju, as they navigate love, loss, and family secrets in modern-day India. It’s a poignant story of friendship and resilience that spans generations.

Forest of Enchantments

It’s a retelling of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, from the perspective of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. In this novel, Divakaruni reimagines Sita’s journey, offering readers a feminist interpretation that delves into her inner thoughts, struggles, and resilience.

Independence

This a poignant story set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The novel follows the lives of four characters—Matilda, Loyal, Jasmine, and Annie—whose paths intersect as they navigate the tumultuous political landscape of pre-independence India.

Last Queen

Last Queen is a historical novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni that offers a fictionalised account of the life of Rani Jindan Kaur, the last queen of Punjab. Set against the backdrop of the British colonisation of India during the 19th century, the novel follows Rani Jindan's journey from her humble beginnings to her rise as a powerful and influential figure in Punjab's political landscape.