{Subdue}Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff, 3.5 stars - worth the second chance

[NancyJ]

I almost DNF’d this book last night, because the plot was getting ridiculous and the humor wasn’t working on me. and some of the dialogue was making me cringe. It was nominated for the Women’s Prize in Fiction, and it got high ratings by BNB and others I usually agree with. So I went back to give it another try, and I’m glad I did. See more notes below.

[Booknblues]

I think this is a good stopping point for you. It doesn't get any less ridiculous. There is an explanation at the end and it does make sense, but if the humor isn't here for you, I don't think it is worth it.

I got a kick out of it, but your complaints are valid.

[NancyJ]

Booknblues wrote: "I think this is a good stopping point for you. It doesn't get any less ridiculous. There is an explanation at the end and it does make sense, but if the humor isn't here for you, I don't think it i..."

Thanks, I see that it has good reviews from several people I usually agree with, so I might give it more time. We had an old fashioned corned beef dinner, which includes beer, so it might improve my sense of humor.🍻😊

[NancyJ]

Booknblues wrote: "I think this is a good stopping point for you. It doesn't get any less ridiculous. There is an explanation at the end and it does make sense, but if the humor isn't here for you, I don't think it i..."

I decided to give it a second chance and it got better. I couldn't read either of the print books I had lined up because my eyes hurt too much, so I turned this back on. I had to find out what you and others saw in it, and why it made the shortlist for the Women's Prize. It was worth it in the end.

The social commentary is strong, and the messages keep coming. It makes the Indian culture look very bad, but it's fairly consistent with the stories that I heard from Indian students in my grad school days. (Both male and female friends talked about the brutal role that some mothers-in-law play in keeping women down.) The treatment of low caste people in the book revealed some vile ironies. The book also revealed a lot about how women often reinforce cultural attitudes against women.

I didn't appreciate all the humor, but the long scene with the criminal B.B. was especially good. The ironies made me laugh, despite the tension, or perhaps because of it. My favorite parts of the book included how she tied in cultural stories, such as the Bandit Queen, and the witch like woman. The story of the woman revered as the "ideal" woman was particularly powerful. No woman should teach her daughters to emulate her.

[Booknblues]

The ending part with BB is where I almost just skimmed through to the end, I'm glad I slowed down and read it all because by that point it really does make sense.

I put some of the writing down to just pandemic madness of someone who is normally quite busy and is forced to find new preoccupations. I expect she used it to get social justice for wrongs in India which she was familiar with.

[NancyJ]

Booknblues wrote: "The ending part with BB is where I almost just skimmed through to the end, I'm glad I slowed down and read it all because by that point it really does make sense.

I put some of the writing down to..."

Based on the reviews, it looks like the author did the smart thing to add so much humor. (I might have enjoyed it more at the beginning if I wasn't feeling sick and cranky.) Many people won't read books about discrimination or trauma because they fear they'll be too depressing. The messages in this book are getting a bigger audience because of the humor. I admit it's also fun to read about women getting revenge against evil men.

I also liked the message about Bonobo - women can protect one another when they work together. Isolating women from others is on the abuser's playlist. The worst thing we can do is to ostracize women who have already been harmed. Men might make the rules, but they won't get enforced unless other women go along with it.

The author's note at the end is great too.

[Theresa]

NancyJ wrote: :I admit it's also fun to read about women getting revenge against evil men. ..."

One of the reasons I at one point about a decade ago binge read all of the Fern Michaels Sisterhood romantic suspense series (and there were a LOT of them!) was because almost every single one of them was women getting revenge on evil men. I haven't read one in a long time - and I know she's branched out the series, not all are women gaining revenge on evil men - but if I ever need a spot of revenge reading, that's where I go!

And they have humor and a whole thriller aspect and are thus often over the top - which lightens up the often very serious abuses being revenged - making them easier reading than many out there.

[Nadine in NY]

I just finished this book, and I was thinking about posting it here, because it's the perfect book for "friendship"!! (But I never think to post here - oop!)

I really enjoyed the bizarre balance between dark humor and serious subject and madcap bollywood-style action. The dialogue between the women made me laugh - they were so sharp with each other sometimes!!

I listened to the audiobook, and Soneela Nankani did a great job with the dialogue. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this as much if I had read a paper copy.

And I really appreciated that the dog is not harmed :-)

[Booknblues]

Nadine in NY wrote: "I just finished this book, and I was thinking about posting it here, because it's the perfect book for "friendship"!! (But I never think to post here - oop!)

I really enjoyed the bizarre balance b..."

The dog is wonderful and I was worried about him as well. I read it, but imagine that it would be good to listen too. An advantage of listening to it as correct pronunciation

[NancyJ]

Nadine in NY wrote: "I just finished this book, and I was thinking about posting it here, because it's the perfect book for "friendship"!! (But I never think to post here - oop!)

I really enjoyed the bizarre balance b..."

Hi Nadine, I've seen you in other groups (mainly ATW), but I don't recall seeing you here before. Welcome! Or should I say welcome back? I'm glad you liked it too! I agree that it's perfect for friendship, especially for long friendships that might end and return.

[NancyJ]

Booknblues wrote: "Nadine in NY wrote: "I just finished this book, and I was thinking about posting it here, because it's the perfect book for "friendship"!! (But I never think to post here - oop!)

I really enjoyed ..."

I liked the dog too, and loved that he helped reveal the truth. My only quibble with the narration is that she didn't use an Indian accent to add to the sense of place. But fake accents are worse, and I started to "hear" it myself anyway,