The Bandit Queens cover
Book

The Bandit Queens

by Parini Shroff

2023•EN
About the book

In a rural Indian village, Gehna remains an outcast because her neighbors believe she murdered her husband, Ramesh, who actually vanished years ago. When other local women face domestic abuse and financial entrapment, they approach Gehna to coach them on orchestrating their own husbands' deaths, assuming she possesses expertise in lethal secrets. The narrative centers on a microloan circle where members navigate caste hierarchies, religious tensions, and the logistical realities of disposing of bodies while avoiding the scrutiny of local law enforcement and nosy neighbors.

Readers interested in the intersection of feminist agency and communal dynamics will find a dark examination of how marginalized women leverage social stigma for protection. This book serves those looking for a concrete look at the pressures of patriarchal social structures and the practicalities of rural village life. The audience gains a perspective on how collective action forms under threat and how women redefine their status within a rigid hierarchy through shared risk and defensive deception.

Reading profile

Balanced in tone; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?

Details
Published
2023
Language
EN

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