[Book Review] The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

bong.reader

Oct 29

63/80

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

What a phenomenal storyline it was. A gripping story that weaved the reality of Indian society into a very sophisticated yet intriguing story. All the characters were well described and played an important part in the respective plots. The plots were interlinked properly without any loopholes.

The book is extremely fast-paced if you have time. It can be finished in two sittings even though it's 300 + pages. Things keep happening one after another, but there comes a line or two that just makes you stop and think. A book written in 2008 is still relevant. The book promptly highlights the economic progression in India, while a part of India still suffers. Classism, casteism, religious wars, politics, it's all there, with two sides to everything. What makes this story worth listening to is the rage behind the voice. It's an angry tale of a working-class man.

The author is smart enough to smirk at life through his letters to the former Chinese premier. You can even hear his snigger, making the book a light-hearted read. At times, I've even laughed with the protagonist who is someone looking at life as he grows to learn more about what he should have and the grief of not having them. That's when troubles begin.

I like the way the story is told from the protagonist's self-reflection. Throughout the book, he shares his inner thoughts by writing letters to the former Chinese premier.

A dark tale with a tragic twist, this book was full of inside humor for those who have spent time in South Asia. It's an enjoyable read, more like listening to a friend ranting about what life is. At times, just a little too much, but as friends, we lend him an ear nevertheless.

Best lines and quotes:

"The moment you recognize what is beautiful in this world, you stop being a slave"
"The story of a poor man's life is written on his body, in a sharp pen."
"Strange thoughts brew in your heart when you spend too much time with old books"
"Let animals live like animals; let humans live like humans. That's my whole philosophy in a sentence."
"The trustworthiness of servants is the basis of the entire Indian economy."

My Rating:4.0/5.0.

Happy Reading!!!

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