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A review by niaamore
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
| Favorite Quote | The unfortunate status quo is that it is tough for women everywhere, and female friendships are what will carry us through the darkness and absurdity of life. Such connections, however, are not always easily forged in a world keen to divide, mark, and label as “other”.
| My Review | I was so ready to love this book. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
What a premise! I couldn’t wait to read a book about women coming together and creating a community that opposes the oppressive men and patriarchal systems in their lives. What I got was a lot of horrific depictions of India, playing on stereotypes and creating an image that was poor, dirty, and backwards. I was appalled.
The characters come off as bitter and nasty. We see Geeta fat shaming in the first chapter, dissing mothers while being jealous of their lives. The women in the book shamelessly manipulate their friendships. They spread rumors and backstab, and have a cruel disregard for abused victims. I can understand character development, but these women would need books, not chapters, to correct their behavior! I can also understand that these aspects can be found in society. To highlight them in an antagonist would serve as good social commentary. But the protagonist? She is no better than the women she disregards.
I also found the dialogue inconsistent. Often, it follows a believable contemporary dialect, with Indian proverbs and religious references. Then, sprinkled in, you find American slang that takes you right out of the story. Greeta saying “The fuck’re you doing?” to Farah, then saying her behavior is “super weird” made me question if this was taking place in India or America.
I do not recommend this book. There are so many other great books on strong Indian women who create and lead inclusive communities. Might I suggest giving Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel a try.
| My Review | I was so ready to love this book. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
What a premise! I couldn’t wait to read a book about women coming together and creating a community that opposes the oppressive men and patriarchal systems in their lives. What I got was a lot of horrific depictions of India, playing on stereotypes and creating an image that was poor, dirty, and backwards. I was appalled.
The characters come off as bitter and nasty. We see Geeta fat shaming in the first chapter, dissing mothers while being jealous of their lives. The women in the book shamelessly manipulate their friendships. They spread rumors and backstab, and have a cruel disregard for abused victims. I can understand character development, but these women would need books, not chapters, to correct their behavior! I can also understand that these aspects can be found in society. To highlight them in an antagonist would serve as good social commentary. But the protagonist? She is no better than the women she disregards.
I also found the dialogue inconsistent. Often, it follows a believable contemporary dialect, with Indian proverbs and religious references. Then, sprinkled in, you find American slang that takes you right out of the story. Greeta saying “The fuck’re you doing?” to Farah, then saying her behavior is “super weird” made me question if this was taking place in India or America.
I do not recommend this book. There are so many other great books on strong Indian women who create and lead inclusive communities. Might I suggest giving Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel a try.