The Bandit Queens: did she or didn't she?

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff is a story of one woman’s determination to live life as she sees fit. Geeta’s no-good, abusive husband disappeared five years ago. Everyone in her village thinks she killed him. She didn’t but no matter how much she protests, the rumor still flows from people’s lips. Since her husband has left, she has built a life as a self-made “widow” that has a few perks. No one messes with her. No one threatens her and no one has tried to marry her. Freedom looked so good on Geeta that other women in the village started asking for her help to get rid of their own no-good, abusive husbands. Her reputation seems to be a double-edged sword and she must now protect the life she has built. How far will she go to protect herself and the life she has built? 

The Bandit Queens is filled with very dark humor and even darker depiction of the reality of life for women in India. The powerlessness they feel as they have nowhere to turn to for help. The acceptance of domestic violence where men could do no wrong and women are always at fault. It is no wonder that these women are looking for a way out, any way out. Throughout the book, Geeta looks to the story of Phoolan Devi, the real life Bandit Queen, who was convicted of killing 22 men, serving prison time before being elected to the Indian Parliament. Did Geeta follow her example? The women in her village seem to think so. Overall, The Bandit Queens was a mixture of mystery, thriller and a detailed social commentary on the very real circumstances for women in India. I recommend The Bandit Queens. 

The Bandit Queens is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook