A review by ambershelf
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

4.0

After Geeta's husband mysteriously disappeared five years ago, the rumor is that she killed him. Known as a "self-made" widow, no one in the remote village messes with her. But when other married women in the town ask Geeta for her "expertise," she finds her reputation becoming a double-edged sword. Should she come clean about her innocence? Should she help other women get rid of their abusive husbands?

BANDIT QUEENS is a humorous satire that blends the exploration of sexism and misogynism with brilliant storytelling. I adore the balance between serious topics and funny moments, and Shroff's use of humor in exploring patriarchy and caste in modern India cracks me up. I particularly love how imperfect the women are in BANDIT QUEENS; I was rooting for all of them when the women fight for their rights, scheme to free themselves from the garbage men in their lives, and argue with one another.