Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Bandit Queens

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!

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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***

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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!

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