The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
paperbacksandvinyl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Bandit Queens follows a group of women as they navigate life under the patriarchy of their small village. Geeta is our main character and the story opens with her choosing a life of isolation after her abusive husband has left her. As the story evolves, we see these tumultuous but beautiful between these women become their lifeline.
I would highly suggest checking trigger warnings before reading this book. Violence and assault are vividly described on page, and there is a significant amount of fatphobia scattered throughout the entire book. That said, I think it was very well written and and extremely captivating story. More than that, itâs a story that should be heard, and I appreciate the care the author took in researching the inspiration of the story.Â
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Murder, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Addiction, Body shaming, Classism, and Death
Moderate: Pedophilia
victoriafrombookclub's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Murder, Misogyny, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Trafficking, Body shaming, Violence, Rape, Blood, and Religious bigotry
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Classism, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Sexism, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Animal cruelty, Addiction, Gun violence, Fatphobia, and Infidelity
Minor: Police brutality
boxofcats's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
4.75 â as I feel the narration lacked a bit of enthusiasm at times but would still recommend it. Looking forward to future work from Parini Shroff!
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Sexual violence
rashmig's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Now, letâs talk about the women in this story and their independent working lives. The book beautifully portrays the way they navigate their careers, sharing experiences and providing support. Whatâs even more striking is how it delves into the shared traumatic experiences these women endure. The authorâs writing truly hits home when it showcases these experiences as an unfortunate reality, highlighting societal issues like acid attacks, domestic abuse, and gender power imbalances.
I also want to mention the heartwarming snippets of the bond between Geeta and Bandit, her dog. Their relationship adds depth and warmth to the story, with Geeta being fiercely protective of her furry companion.
Throughout the novel, we see these women striving to live their lives on their own terms, but they face numerous challenges imposed by society or their circumstances. Geetaâs experience as a single woman with a complicated marital past and Saloniâs juggling act between family, work, and a seat in the villageâs senate are just a few examples. The way they support each other through these struggles is a testament to the strength of female bonds.
Now, letâs touch on the theme of male entitlement and the prevalence of abusive behavior. The book doesnât shy away from portraying the harsh reality that many women face, where most men are perpetrators of emotional, physical, mental, and sexual abuse. However, the story also highlights a few exceptions like Kareem and Sarah, who treat women with respect and empathy.
The novel briefly delves into the issue of caste, which might feel a bit tangential at first, but it soon merges seamlessly with the broader theme of womenâs issues, offering a layered perspective on societal challenges.
Despite the heavy themes, Parini Shroff manages to infuse humor into her storytelling, making the book a breeze to read. I found myself chuckling in various places, and the climax of the novel even features some dark comedy at its finest.
In conclusion, âBandit Queensâ is a thought-provoking and brilliantly written book that seamlessly weaves together themes of female friendship, independent working women, vulnerability, shared trauma, humor, and societal challenges. Itâs an impressive debut work from Parini Shroff that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a compelling and impactful read. So, add it to your reading listâyou wonât be disappointed!
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Alcohol, and Blood
kirstinlwx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Physical abuse, Racism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Alcoholism, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Gun violence, Infertility, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Classism, Body shaming, and Cursing
_nettielove_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Violence, Abandonment, Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
bugaboobear's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Classism, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Police brutality, Animal cruelty, Pedophilia, Violence, Addiction, Gun violence, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Blood, Confinement, Death of parent, Cancer, and Religious bigotry
anna_brawn's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Fatphobia, Hate crime, Murder, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, Rape, and Police brutality
Minor: Suicide and Miscarriage
sophsg88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Infertility and Religious bigotry