The author explores a number of serious topics in the novel. Did reading the novel cause you to look at any social institutions in a new way?

The author explores a number of serious topics in the novel—patriarchal societies and the caste system among them. Did reading The Bandit Queens cause you to look at these (or any other) social institutions in a new way?

I recently read Isabel Wilkerson's excellent study, Caste, and found this story to be an illustration of many of the points she makes when she discusses the caste system in India and how it related to racism in the U.S.

I'm not sure it caused me to look at things in a different way. But it definitely made me more aware of how terribly women are treated in India. Which was a reminder of women's issues everywhere.

I agree with Pink Lady. The book definitely reinforced my understanding of how women are treated in India -- terribly. Nothing seems to be improving in this country regarding women's rights. Nor many other countries for that matter.

Thankfully women have rights in the United States; however, the most powerful, decision making positions are still held by men. I think we still have a patriarchal society - though things have improved.

This book reinforced my concerns about the power of religion to separate and divide people. In 1947 India was divided into two nations with different religions, one Hindu and the other Muslim. Millions of people died in the ensuing violence and today the friction persists.

I agree with Elise and LindaMonaco
I think about how blessed I and compared to so many women around the world but also how far my own country has to go in how we treat race and women. In addition, it deeply saddens me when I see religion used as a weapon especially in politics.

The book did not cause me to look at any social institutions in a new way. It reinforced in me the need to continue to be aware of social institutions in all areas of the world.

Not really as I was aware the role of women and the caste system in India. Having read other reader comments, I now definitely want to read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. White Trash by Nancy Isenberg has also been on my TBR list for quite some time, and I think I need to pick it up and read it sooner than later. And finally, I need to read the books by Ta Neishi Coates that are on my TBR.

This book just reiterated that all nationalities are subjected to the same discrimination and abuses as all others. Rich, poor, Caucasian, Black, American, Indian - makes no difference. People are people - good and bad - all walks of life are really equal in their abuses.