Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - The White Tiger

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The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

8 reviews

mari1532's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I have a paperback copy of this book, but it has been on my to-be-read pile for far too long so I decided to check out the audiobook from my local library. Somehow I think that the narrator made this book better. There was a lot of nuance, especially in the humour throughout this book and the tonal inflection while the story unfolded I think was so important to the story.

The narrative was beautifully written. Although this book is written from Balram's very specific perspective the novel does provide commentary on, albeit an exaggeration of, the political and caste systems in India. The nuance of Balram as a character was effectively communicated via the direct letter-writing style of the narrative. That being said I did not find Balram likeable, but I did find him to be personable. Adiga's writing made Balram a nuanced character whose motivation and actions were not always clear.

If you like a book with great writing and a well throughout plot I'd recommend this book.

Content Warnings

ellen_nicholson's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

An informative and at times satirical commentary on India through an epistolary style message from Balram (an entrepreneur), to the Premier of China. The White Tiger critiques the socio-political climate of India, exploring themes of corruption, duty and the caste/class system through the story of Balram, a poor man who takes a position as a driver/servant for a landlords son. While I feel that we never really connect with Balram as a character, his story works to blur the lines between what is moral or immoral, which left me questioning my initial judgements as he explained his journey. I read this book for school and found the use of symbols really added depth to the book, ie the lizard, chandeliers and the black fort. Even though it was for English, I think it is worth a read.

Content Warnings