BOOK BRIEF

Draupadi

Mahasweta Devi
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Draupadi

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1981

Book Brief

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Mahasweta Devi

Draupadi

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1981
Book Details
Pages

22

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

India • 1970s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

"Draupadi" by Mahasweta Devi tells the story of a tribal woman named Dopdi who becomes a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression. Set against the backdrop of political and social conflict, the narrative explores themes of defiance, identity, and empowerment, highlighting the resilience of individuals in the face of brutal authority.

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.3

348 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mahasweta Devi's Draupadi is acclaimed for its powerful portrayal of marginalized communities and strong feminist themes. The prose is stark and impactful, shedding light on social injustices. Some readers find the narrative intense and challenging due to its graphic depiction of violence. Overall, it is praised for its unflinching exploration of systemic oppression.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Draupadi?

Readers who appreciate powerful, socially conscious narratives and enjoy works like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood or Beloved by Toni Morrison will be drawn to Draupadi by Mahasweta Devi. This audience values stories that explore themes of resistance, gender, and oppression with a sharp, unflinching gaze.

4.3

348 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Mahasweta Devi was a celebrated Indian writer and activist who often used her works to highlight the struggles of the marginalized, and Draupadi is one of her notable short stories that critiques social injustice.

In her writings, Devi was known for utilizing real-life events and figures, drawing from her experiences with indigenous communities to craft her stories.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The short story Draupadi has been widely acclaimed and used in academic discussions to examine themes of power, resistance, and gender dynamics.

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Book Details
Pages

22

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

India • 1970s

Publication Year

1981

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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