Bandit Queens

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Average customer rating 4.5 (2 comments)

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I was determined that I was going to write a scathing review of this book. But, it grew on me and the more I read the more I liked it. Towards the end when it got rather outlandish, it was hilarious and I found myself in stitches. So the humour is dark but humour it is. I particularly liked the spirited women who revere the legendary Phoolan Devi. Is it realistic? Perhaps not. Is it factual? Most likely not. Wishful thinking - of course. But the fact that women can get away with murder, literally, is very appealing. Towards the end the author, Shroff has gone on a soapbox oration and written about caste and there seems to be no end to the privations that the 'dalits' of the village suffer. All in all if you want to get an idea of life in an Indian village this may not be a realistic portrayal but if you want some entertainment and don't have expectations go for it.

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So glad I read this!! Initially, I had a hard time getting into this story. The vocabulary and cultural differences were difficult for me to understand and follow. However, I googled my way through when I could and pushed on until…wow! I am so glad I did. This was a story that had every emotion imaginable. I was laughing one moment then deeply saddened the next. This is a dark story that is laced with enough light to make it all the more endearing with characters that will last in my memory. I am so glad I took a chance on this new author.