The Bandit Queens

The Bandit Queens is an engaging and fabulous debut! This insightful story focuses on the cultural aspects of Indian society, including domestic abuse, oppression, the caste system, and women in Indian culture while taking the reader on an at times adventurous ride full of dark humor.

Synopsis: Geeta's no-good husband disappeared five years ago. She didn't kill him, but everyone thinks she did--no matter how much she protests.
But she soon discovers that being known as a "self-made" widow has some surprising perks. No one messes with her, no one threatens her, and no one tries to control (ahem, marry) her. It's even been good for her business; no one wants to risk getting on her bad side by not buying her jewelry.

Freedom must look good on Geeta, because other women in the village have started asking for her help to get rid of their own no-good husbands...but not all of them are asking nicely.

Now that Geeta's fearsome reputation has become a double-edged sword, she must decide how far to go to protect it, along with the life she's built. Because even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

“She resented being put in a position where those were her choices: violence or violation.”

I really loved following the women in this story and their dynamic friendships. Shroff created a cast of complex and layered characters that you will find yourself truly invested in. They are all imperfect, impulsive, and brash which makes them even more real, and I loved cheering for them as the story evolved to taking out their abusive husbands.

And of course, any story who has a dog like Bandit in it will always claim my heart!

I also really enjoyed all things cultural that made this story not only engaging but very atmospheric. As I read, I found myself deeply immersed in the Indian setting and culture, and I loved how the tale of Phoolan Devi was woven into the story as a cautionary tale and a heroine figure. Devi was known as the Bandit Queen after she left an abusive marriage to join a gang. She was a character the women in the story could look to for strength since she too lived in the rural areas of India where patriarchy still ruled, the caste system is followed, and women are treated as property and easily disposed of.

How was the pace?

This is a slow burn story but is still a quick read and I enjoyed every page.

Do you recommend this book?

Even though there are some serious and dark subjects in this story, the author balances it with crazy antics, nutty banter, and humor that will have you laughing out loud. Definitely a debut you are going to want to pick up.

Thank you, Ballantine Books, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.