I loved The Bandit Queens.  The plot is fun, but it has so many other themes going on.  Toxic cultural practices, the slow transformation of some of those practices and people’s reluctance to want to change, abusive spouses, Indian beliefs, the caste system, female empowerment, village life, substance abuse.  All that rolled into a great story with lots of comedy.  I am thoroughly impressed with this book and had a great time reading it.