What did you think of the lessons the women learned as they banded together to protect each other?

Female friendship is one of the central themes of The Bandit Queens, and towards the end of the novel, we see the phrase "be a bonobo" become a touchstone for this idea. What did you think of the lessons the women learned as they banded together to protect each other? Are there any female friendships in your life that you think exemplify the idea of "being a bonobo"?

I love the idea of "being a bonobo." I thought that image really nailed what the women were trying to do. I'm not sure I'd equate that with friendship, though. I think for the most part the bonding comes from a shared goal and a desire for mutual protection. I kind of think it was a natural outgrowth of their loan community - same concept - join together to get something accomplished.

The women learned to trust one another and cooperate to achieve solutions to the problems that they faced. Separate, they are quite powerless in the severely patriarchal system in which they live, but by banding together they can do more than just endure. They can protect one another and help other women become stronger advocates for themselves and others.

They found the old adage to be true--United we stand, divided we fall.

The women banded together out of necessity not necessarily because they liked each other. Which makes the situation comical. When Geeta and Saloni renew their childhood advisory -friendship, they take up right where they left off. The loan club forced them into helping each other or they would all loose their chance to borrow money, so they had to cover for Farah which gave her an elevated sense of friendship which she exploited. So banding together as protection turned into an almost far worse situation than never having to go it alone. It was like the saying, "Keep your friends close but keep you enemies even closer".

Yes there are strength in numbers and the added value of companionship and respect will take them far!

Women actively supporting each other was necessary in the village in which the women lived. The women were acting individually when they joined the loan group, but they became more and more a cohesive unit as they saw the results of working together. I was cheering for them!

Hopefully the women learned that are like steel filaments: Individually they are easily cut or broken, but woven together into a cable, they cannot be cut or broken.

Having a fellow friend to lean on in hard times is everything for mental preservation. Knowing you are not alone is not only welcoming but needed. Working together towards a goal gave them protection, encouragement and strength - all lessons that equated to individual confidence.