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loubraryoftheforest's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A darkly humorous novel with slapstick comedy and murderous mayhem aplenty, yet ultimately a novel about female empowerment and friendship, and the strength that power that wields.
For who will stand up for a woman in a society that treats them as baby makers and servants, things to be sold and bartered for, used and abused? Who will stand up and seek to right the wrongs done to them?
Why, they will of course, putting aside hostilities and broken friendships to support each other in their time of need. They may use each other, twist the narrative to serve their own purposes, but when it comes down to it, they have each others backs, willing to murder for each other, to take the blame, to put right all that has been done to them. The only question is, can they get away with it?
I loved this book, it had me gripped from the start and I was invested in each woman’s story, and murderous intents! Greeta especially, who finds herself central to each woman’s schemes, because she is already on the outside of their community, her husband disappearing in mysterious circumstances many years before. It is her that leads the narrative, and her I want to find the most peace and joy she deserves after all she’s been through.
But each story touched my heart, especially how much every woman has hidden their sadness and situation to some extent, they all think the others have the ideal life, but the truth is hard to see.
I applaud them for their bravery, even if I had to remember at times this was actual murder they were planning!
For who will stand up for a woman in a society that treats them as baby makers and servants, things to be sold and bartered for, used and abused? Who will stand up and seek to right the wrongs done to them?
Why, they will of course, putting aside hostilities and broken friendships to support each other in their time of need. They may use each other, twist the narrative to serve their own purposes, but when it comes down to it, they have each others backs, willing to murder for each other, to take the blame, to put right all that has been done to them. The only question is, can they get away with it?
I loved this book, it had me gripped from the start and I was invested in each woman’s story, and murderous intents! Greeta especially, who finds herself central to each woman’s schemes, because she is already on the outside of their community, her husband disappearing in mysterious circumstances many years before. It is her that leads the narrative, and her I want to find the most peace and joy she deserves after all she’s been through.
But each story touched my heart, especially how much every woman has hidden their sadness and situation to some extent, they all think the others have the ideal life, but the truth is hard to see.
I applaud them for their bravery, even if I had to remember at times this was actual murder they were planning!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Murder
jsalyers520's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. I don't know enough culturally or regionally about India to know if the representation of caste and conditions were accurate, but from a story-telling perspective this was captivating. I chose to listen to this on audio to make sure I was capturing correct pronunciation and inflection versus skimming or losing part of the story due to not understanding. The narrator was amazing.
I love Geeta's mothering nature despite having no children. I loved the chaotic chatter of the women and the nosey-ness of the group. This is one of my favorite types of reads.
Some notes I jotted down while reading:
Chapter 11 - "that girl's achievements mattered little, as she, Geeta herself would feel later in life, she was only as successful as those around her allowed her to be." wow...
I was taken aback throughout how nonchalantly all the women discussed abuse, r@pe, acide attacks, etc. No wonder this is a story about killing no good men.
Chapter 20 - the whole thing. It was so powerful. My favorite chapter of the book. "she regretted these were her choices, violence or violation." as a woman, how relatable.
I found the "curses" in this book particularly hilarious: "you are a shit nugget," and "I should shove this up your pisshole," and "I forgot what an ingrown hair you are." I was honestly laughing out loud at how petty and mean these ladies are.
***SPOILERS***
*
*
*
Note - Saloni is like a ride or die bitch. "Everyone one already thinks your husband is dead, we could just take care of him." LOL bestie, thanks!
I was honestly shocked Geeta thought she was more vile than Ramesh, and then she feels sorry for him. FOR WHAT? Abusive piece of shit asshole. Just for him to turn around and fuck her over again... whew.
Did she really love him? I don't think so. She talks about "the memory of love."
Personally, I wish the had killed him. But I guess that would have let him get off easier than he deserved, so it wasn't terrible. I found all the references to true crime shows a little silly and overdone, but it didn't ruin the book for me.
Definitely recommend - 5 stars!
I love Geeta's mothering nature despite having no children. I loved the chaotic chatter of the women and the nosey-ness of the group. This is one of my favorite types of reads.
Some notes I jotted down while reading:
Chapter 11 - "that girl's achievements mattered little, as she, Geeta herself would feel later in life, she was only as successful as those around her allowed her to be." wow...
I was taken aback throughout how nonchalantly all the women discussed abuse, r@pe, acide attacks, etc. No wonder this is a story about killing no good men.
Chapter 20 - the whole thing. It was so powerful. My favorite chapter of the book. "she regretted these were her choices, violence or violation." as a woman, how relatable.
I found the "curses" in this book particularly hilarious: "you are a shit nugget," and "I should shove this up your pisshole," and "I forgot what an ingrown hair you are." I was honestly laughing out loud at how petty and mean these ladies are.
***SPOILERS***
*
*
*
Note - Saloni is like a ride or die bitch. "Everyone one already thinks your husband is dead, we could just take care of him." LOL bestie, thanks!
I was honestly shocked Geeta thought she was more vile than Ramesh, and then she feels sorry for him. FOR WHAT? Abusive piece of shit asshole. Just for him to turn around and fuck her over again... whew.
Did she really love him? I don't think so. She talks about "the memory of love."
Personally, I wish the had killed him. But I guess that would have let him get off easier than he deserved, so it wasn't terrible. I found all the references to true crime shows a little silly and overdone, but it didn't ruin the book for me.
Definitely recommend - 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, and Murder
kendal_reads's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Fatphobia, and Rape
ninja_c's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Rape
emherrick's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gun violence, and Classism
Minor: Blood
sangsmiles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Gun violence
lochnessvhs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, and Rape
l0v3lu's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, and Rape
paperbacksandvinyl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Man, oh man, I have a lot of complex feelings about this book, and I think I felt every single emotion while I read it. It is a lovely show of sistership and a heartbreaking glimpse into womanhood. The differences and similarities of these women are discussed throughout the book, and they’re important conversations and characters.
The Bandit Queens follows a group of women as they navigate life under the patriarchy of their small village. Geeta is our main character and the story opens with her choosing a life of isolation after her abusive husband has left her. As the story evolves, we see these tumultuous but beautiful between these women become their lifeline.
I would highly suggest checking trigger warnings before reading this book. Violence and assault are vividly described on page, and there is a significant amount of fatphobia scattered throughout the entire book. That said, I think it was very well written and and extremely captivating story. More than that, it’s a story that should be heard, and I appreciate the care the author took in researching the inspiration of the story.
The Bandit Queens follows a group of women as they navigate life under the patriarchy of their small village. Geeta is our main character and the story opens with her choosing a life of isolation after her abusive husband has left her. As the story evolves, we see these tumultuous but beautiful between these women become their lifeline.
I would highly suggest checking trigger warnings before reading this book. Violence and assault are vividly described on page, and there is a significant amount of fatphobia scattered throughout the entire book. That said, I think it was very well written and and extremely captivating story. More than that, it’s a story that should be heard, and I appreciate the care the author took in researching the inspiration of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Pedophilia
aehc's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm always going to be sucker for a story about solidarity against an oppressive system. Geeta is a prickly, unpleasant, stubborn, and kind protagonist who was delightful to follow - the kind of character who you would hate in a book with a different POV, but, when inside her head, it's so obvious she's holding on for dear life and just willing to try absolutely anything. The pace is fast, the quips are sharp, and despite the frequent Gujarati asides I was able to pick up everything I needed to know from context in order to thoroughly enjoy the book. I
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Murder