Item: The Bandit Queens
Rating: 4.00
Author: quirkycat

by Parini Shroff

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK • A young Indian woman finds the false rumors that she killed her husband surprisingly useful—until other women in the village start asking for her help getting rid of their own husbands—in this razor-sharp debut.

"A radically feel-good story about the murder of no-good husbands by a cast of unsinkable women.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Shondaland, She Reads, CrimeReads

Five years ago, Geeta lost her no-good husband. As in, she actually lost him—he walked out on her and she has no idea where he is. But in her remote village in India, rumor has it that Geeta killed him. And it’s a rumor that just won’t die.

It turns out that being known as a “self-made” widow comes with some perks. No one messes with her, harasses her, or tries to control (ahem, marry) her. It’s even been good for business; no one dares to not buy her jewelry.

Freedom must look good on Geeta, because now other women are asking for her “expertise,” making her an unwitting consultant for husband disposal.

And not all of them are asking nicely.

With Geeta’s dangerous reputation becoming a double-edged sword, she has to find a way to protect the life she’s built—but even the best-laid plans of would-be widows tend to go awry. What happens next sets in motion a chain of events that will change everything, not just for Geeta, but for all the women in their village.

Filled with clever criminals, second chances, and wry and witty women, Parini Shroff’s The Bandit Queens is a razor-sharp debut of humor and heart that readers won’t soon forget.

Book Summary:

We've all heard it before – when somebody dies (or goes missing), they all blame the spouse. Greeta is experiencing that firsthand. Her useless husband disappeared five years ago, and everyone still thinks she has something to do with it.

On the bright side, now that everyone thinks Greeta is a murderer, they're less inclined to mess with her. This has some advantages, and other women in Greeta's village are starting to figure that out. Which probably explains why she is suddenly so busy.

My Review:

Everything about The Bandit Queens' description makes it sound like it will be a light(ish) yet fascinating read. Parini Schroff's humor does leak through at every possible opportunity – yet there is so much more to this novel.

There are layers to this novel that turn it from a fun read into a delightful read. Greeta's character is so complex – as is the situation she has been popped into. It's a fascinating foundation for everything else that follows.

If you're looking for a book that will make you smile and feel good but deliver more complex storylines, this book is for you! I'm especially fond of the moment Bandit, the group's dog, joins the team. That brought tears to my eyes.

Please take a moment to consider reading The Bandit Queens; it's worth it!

Highlights:
Surprisingly complex
Emotional read
Precious dog

Thanks to Ballantine Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Bandit Queens

by Parini Shroff

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Jan 1, 2023

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