Bandit Queens

This one was just very meh to me. It was enjoyable enough and I the dark humor was refreshing, so I gave it an extra 1/2 star for that. I did enjoy learning a bit more of the culture (castes, religious differences, etc), but overall it just didn't grip me.

I read books because they take me to other times and places, and boy this book delivers on that. The perspective of a middle-aged widow living in a Gujarati village on religion, caste, sexism, domestic violence, even cruelty to animals, will be unforgettable. It helped me that I have visited India, including Gujarat, and know some of the Hindi and Gujarati words included in the text. If these words aren't familiar to you, don't let it throw you off. Look them up or at least just stick with it. The story is only slightly improbable, the writing has a unique and sassy style, and the denouement is a satisfying comment on the value of sisterhood, which transcends sectarianism, caste, and class, over that of abusive husbands.

Ended up really enjoying this despite the shaky second quarter when it struggled to maintain its opening premise: murdering abusive husbands! 🔪

There wasn’t automatic sisterhood among the women (caste, religion, marital status, etc.), which was refreshing. Their ability to work together and support each other, in their own ways, felt grounded and real. And it’s got jokes too!