Publisher Description

A female Robin Hood, a modern day Count of Monte Cristo - Phoolan Devi, the notorious Bandit Queen of India, has become a living legend.Enduring cruel poverty and degradation, Phoolan Devi survived the humiliation and horrifying gang rape to claim retribution for herself and all low-caste women of the Indian plains. In a three-year campaign which rocked the government, she delivered justice to rape victims and stole from the rich to give to the poor, before negotiating surrender on her own terms. Throughout her years of imprisonment without trial Phoolan Devi remained a beacon of hope for the poor and downtrodden, and in 1996, admist both popular support and media controversy, she was elected to the Indian Parliament.For over a decade journalists, biographers and film-makers have found the power and scope of Phoolan Devi's myth irresistible. Now finally she tells the story of her life through her eyes and in her own voice.

Review

No reader can fail to be on her side - The TimesA stunning tale, and all the more amazing for being true. It will make you cry, it will also make you cheer - Jan GoodwinVivid and moving ... a remarkable story - Financial Times

Kirkus UK Review

'I was born an under-dog, but I became a queen.' In 1994, when India's 'bandit queen', was released from prison, she told her remarkable story to Western journalists. Injustice had led her to live as an outlaw, seeking justice for rape victims and stealing from the rich to give to the poor. In 1996 she was elected to the Indian parliament. Devi's extraordinary life will provoke tears and admiration. (Kirkus UK)

Long Description

A female Robin Hood, a modern day Count of Monte Cristo - Phoolan Devi, the notorious Bandit Queen of India, has become a living legend.Enduring cruel poverty and degradation, Phoolan Devi survived the humiliation and horrifying gang rape to claim retribution for herself and all low-caste women of the Indian plains. In a three-year campaign which rocked the government, she delivered justice to rape victims and stole from the rich to give to the poor, before negotiating surrender on her own terms. Throughout her years of imprisonment without trial Phoolan Devi remained a beacon of hope for the poor and downtrodden, and in 1996, admist both popular support and media controversy, she was elected to the Indian Parliament.For over a decade journalists, biographers and film-makers have found the power and scope of Phoolan Devi's myth irresistible. Now finally she tells the story of her life through her eyes and in her own voice.

Review Quote

Vivid and moving ... a remarkable story

Promotional "Headline"

A female Robin Hood, a modern day Count of Monte Cristo - this is the legendary life of Phoolan Devi, the notorious Bandit Queen of India

Details